Washer

ABSTRACT

A washer includes a plurality of washing devices for spraying washing water to an object to be washed from various directions of a washing tub, and a washing water feeding device for feeding the washing water. The washing water is sequentially sprayed from respective washing devices. Thus, the washing water can be sprayed to eating utensils from the various directions without increasing fed water, and a washing effect is improved. Speedy washing, energy saving, and water saving can be also achieved.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a washer for household use or businessuse, and more particularly to a washer for washing by spraying washingwater.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A conventional dishwasher for washing eating utensils is described withreference to FIG. 43. The conventional dishwasher comprises body 1,washing tub 2, cover 3, exhaust port 4, rack 5, washing pump 8, washingnozzle 9, drain pump 10, controller 11, feed water hose 12, drain hose13, heater 14, fan 15, and water level detecting device 20. Cover 3 isused for opening or closing an opening of the washing tub, and hasexhaust port 4. Rack 5 accommodates eating utensils. Washing pump 8pressurizes washing water. Washing nozzle 9 is disposed in a lower partof washing tub 2. Drain pump 10 discharges, from the dishwasher, washingwater reserved in the washing tub. Controller 11 controls operations ofwashing pump 8 and drain pump 10. Heater 14 is disposed on a bottom ofwashing tub 2, and heats washing water, and heats air during drying. Fan15 is used for drying. Rack 5 is supported via rollers 6 by a railsurface 7 formed on a side surface of washing tub 2. Washing nozzle 9sprays the washing water pressurized by washing pump 8, from below tothe eating utensils held by rack 5. Water level detecting device 20detects a washing water level.

For washing eating utensils, the eating utensils to be washed are heldin rack 5 of washing tub 2, a detergent is thrown in, and an operationis started. After the start of the operation, firstly a feed waterprocess of supplying a predetermined amount of washing water to washingtub 2 is performed so as to stabilize a pressurizing operation of thewashing water by washing pump 8. Washing pump 8 has centrifugal blades(not shown) and an electric motor (not shown) for driving the blades.Approximately a predetermined interval (it is hereinafter called washingwater level) is maintained between intake port 16 of washing pump 8 anda washing water surface. Next, a primary washing process is performed.During the primary washing process, the washing water pressurized bywashing pump 8 and heated by heater 14 is sprayed together with thedetergent from spray port 17 of washing nozzle 9. The washing water issprayed vertically, or obliquely and upwardly from spray port 17 ofwashing nozzle 9. Washing nozzle 9 is rotated substantially horizontallyby reaction force of the spray. Collision force of the washing watersprayed from the rotating washing nozzle 9, the detergent, and heat areused for washing the eating utensils.

After the primary washing process is performed for a predeterminedperiod, a draining process is performed. During the draining process,the washing water containing dirt removed from the eating utensils isdischarged from the dishwasher by drain pump 10. Subsequently, a feedwater process of supplying new washing water, a rinsing process ofspraying the washing water from washing nozzle 9 to rinse the eatingutensils soiled with the detergent or garbage (dirt attached to theeating utensils), and the draining process are sequentially repeatedfour times. These processes constitute a washing procedure.

After the washing procedure, a drying process is performed. During thedrying process, fan 15 feeds air into washing tub 2 from outside of thedishwasher. The air is fed from blast duct 18 into washing tub 2 throughblast port 19, and simultaneously heater 14 is intermittently operated,thereby generating warm air. This warm air vaporizes water dropsattached to the eating utensils to dry the eating utensils. During thedrying process, highly humid air in washing tub 2 is exhausted from thedishwasher through exhaust port 4.

However, the washing nozzle of the conventional dishwasher sprays thewashing water to various shapes of eating utensils used in a typicalhome only from a constant direction. Sufficient washing performancetherefore cannot be obtained. When the washing water is not sprayed froman upper part of the washing tub during washing of an eating utensilsuch as a teacup or a soup bowl having a rim at its bottom, smallgarbage is apt to accumulate on the rim and water for rinsing does notdisperse sufficiently. Therefore, rinsing is insufficient. Foraddressing these problems, a method of spraying washing water fromvarious directions using a plurality of washing nozzles is proposed inJapanese Patent Application Non-examined Publication No. H5-305050. Inthis method, water to be reserved in a washing tub must be increased,relative to that associated with the conventional dish washer, forspraying water from the plurality of nozzles at the same time.

The increase of the fed water results in a longer time being required toraise temperature of the washing water. This method therefore requires alonger operation time, more electricity, more usage of water, and alarge washing pump. This causes various problems such as increase ofcost and increase of noise or vibration due to the spray of much washingwater at the same time.

Japanese Patent Application Non-examined Publication No. H5-176875proposes a method for addressing these problems using a plurality ofwashing pumps. In this method, however, a plurality of washing pumpsmust be disposed for respective washing nozzles, and therefore volumeratio of a washing mechanism to an entire dishwasher increases. A spacerequired for washing eating utensils cannot be sufficiently prepared, orsize of the dishwasher body increases more than necessary. JapanesePatent Application Non-examined Publication No. H5-176875 has theseproblems.

Additionally, Japanese Patent Application Non-examined Publication No.H6-30853 discloses a washer having a structure in which a three-wayvalve is heavily used for water division. However, when this washer isused as a dishwasher that treats washing water containing garbage orforeign matter, operational reliability of the valve cannot be ensured.As a number of diversion channels increases, a number of three-wayvalves increases. The washer cannot deal with a complex dischargebehavior of washing water of each washing nozzle, a specific abnormalsound occurs during a valving operation, and cost increases. JapanesePatent Application Non-examined Publication No. H6-30853 has theseproblems.

As other examples of a washer spraying washing water, there are acomponent washer for removing grease or chips from a component machinedby a machine tool or the like, and a vegetable washer for removingforeign matter or chemicals attached to vegetables. However, thesewashers have the problems discussed above.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

A washer of the present invention comprises the following elements:

-   -   a plurality of washing devices for spraying washing water to an        object to be washed from various directions;    -   a washing water feeding device for feeding the washing water to        the washing devices; and    -   a controller for controlling an operation of the washing water        feeding device.        Each of the plurality of washing devices has a spray port, and        the spray port sprays the washing water. The washing water is        sequentially supplied to respective washing devices.

The washer, because of this structure, can spray the washing water toeating utensils without increasing a water amount, and can improve awashing effect. The washer can also wash the eating utensils quickly,and save energy and water.

The washer preferably further comprises a water dividing structuredisposed between the washing water feeding device and the plurality ofwashing devices. The water dividing structure includes a rotary waterdividing unit having a discharge port and a divided water output unithaving a plurality of divided water discharge ports. Each washing devicecommunicates with each divided water discharge port. The divided wateroutput unit is disposed in the rotary water dividing unit so that thedischarge port sequentially faces and communicates with the dividedwater discharge ports when the rotary water dividing unit rotates. Thewashing water fed from the washing water feeding device is dischargedfrom the discharge port of the rotary water dividing unit, sequentiallyfed to each divided water discharge port, guided to each washing device,and sprayed from each washing device.

This structure further improves a washing effect.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a dishwasher in accordance with exemplaryembodiment 1 of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary sectional view showing a water dividingstructure and flow of washing water in the dishwasher in accordance withexemplary embodiment 1.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the water dividingstructure of the dishwasher in accordance with exemplary embodiment 1.

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary sectional view showing a driving device ofanother water dividing structure of the dishwasher in accordance withexemplary embodiment 1.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of still another washing system of thedishwasher in accordance with exemplary embodiment 1.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of still another washing system of thedishwasher in accordance with exemplary embodiment 1.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of still another washing system of thedishwasher in accordance with exemplary embodiment 1.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of still another washing system of thedishwasher in accordance with exemplary embodiment 1.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of still another washing system of thedishwasher in accordance with exemplary embodiment 1.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of still another washing system of thedishwasher in accordance with exemplary embodiment 1.

FIG. 11 is a sectional view of a dishwasher in accordance with exemplaryembodiment 2 and exemplary embodiment 18 of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a fragmentary sectional view showing a water dividingstructure and flow of washing water in the dishwasher in accordance withexemplary embodiment 18.

FIG. 13 is a fragmentary sectional view showing a water dividingstructure and flow of washing water in a dishwasher in accordance withexemplary embodiment 3 of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of the water dividing structureof the dishwasher in accordance with exemplary embodiment 3.

FIG. 15 is a sectional view of a dishwasher in accordance with exemplaryembodiment 4 of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a fragmentary sectional view showing a water dividingstructure and flow of washing water in the dishwasher in accordance withexemplary embodiment 4.

FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view of the water dividing structureof the dishwasher in accordance with exemplary embodiment 4.

FIG. 18 is a sectional view of a dishwasher in accordance with exemplaryembodiment 5 of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a fragmentary sectional view showing a water dividingstructure and flow of washing water in the dishwasher in accordance withexemplary embodiment 5.

FIG. 20 is a fragmentary sectional view showing a water dividingstructure and flow of washing water in a dishwasher in accordance withexemplary embodiment 6 of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a fragmentary sectional view of a changeover unit of adishwasher in accordance with exemplary embodiment 7 of the presentinvention.

FIG. 22 is a fragmentary sectional view showing a spray state of thechangeover unit of the dishwasher in accordance with exemplaryembodiment 7.

FIG. 23 is a graph showing water spray force of water sprayed, duringone rotation of a water dividing structure, from each washing device ofthe dishwasher in accordance with exemplary embodiment 7 of the presentinvention.

FIG. 24 is a fragmentary sectional view of a double-stack rack of adishwasher in accordance with exemplary embodiment 8 of the presentinvention.

FIG. 25 is a fragmentary perspective view of a water dividing structureof the dishwasher in accordance with exemplary embodiment 8.

FIG. 26 is an exploded perspective view of a water dividing structure ofa dishwasher in accordance with exemplary embodiment 9 of the presentinvention.

FIG. 27 is a perspective view showing spray of washing water in thedishwasher in accordance with exemplary embodiment 9.

FIG. 28 is a sectional view showing a rack state in the dishwasher inaccordance with exemplary embodiment 9.

FIG. 29 is an exploded perspective view of a water dividing structure ofa dishwasher in accordance with exemplary embodiment 10 of the presentinvention.

FIG. 30 is a fragmentary sectional view of a changeover unit of thedishwasher in accordance with exemplary embodiment 10.

FIG. 31 is a fragmentary sectional view of a changeover unit of adishwasher in accordance with exemplary embodiment 11 of the presentinvention.

FIG. 32 is a fragmentary sectional view of a changeover unit of adishwasher in accordance with exemplary embodiment 12 of the presentinvention.

FIG. 33 is a fragmentary perspective view of a changeover unit of adishwasher in accordance with exemplary embodiment 13 of the presentinvention.

FIG. 34 is a sectional view of a passage varying device of thedishwasher in accordance with exemplary embodiment 13.

FIG. 35 is a perspective view of a changeover unit of a dishwasher inaccordance with exemplary embodiment 14 of the present invention.

FIG. 36 is a fragmentary sectional view of the changeover unit of thedishwasher in accordance with exemplary embodiment 14.

FIG. 37 is a graph showing variation in discharge pressure of eachwashing nozzle and a washing pump per cycle of a rotary water dividingunit of the dishwasher in accordance with exemplary embodiment 14.

FIG. 38 is a sectional view of a water dividing structure of adishwasher in accordance with exemplary embodiment 15 of the presentinvention.

FIG. 39 is an exploded perspective view of the water dividing structureof the dishwasher in accordance with exemplary embodiment 15.

FIG. 40 is a fragmentary sectional view of a changeover unit of adishwasher in accordance with exemplary embodiment 16 of the presentinvention.

FIG. 41 is a graph showing variation in discharge pressure of eachwashing nozzle and a washing pump per cycle of a rotary water dividingunit of the dishwasher in accordance with exemplary embodiment 16.

FIG. 42 is a sectional view of a dishwasher in accordance with exemplaryembodiment 17 of the present invention.

FIG. 43 is a block diagram of a conventional dishwasher.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A washer in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention comprises a plurality of washing devices and a washing waterfeeding devices. Each of the plurality of washing devices has a sprayport. Washing water is sprayed to objects to be washed through sprayports from various directions. The washing water is sequentially fed tothe plurality of washing devices.

This structure allows reduction of washing time, consumed energy, andconsumed water. Energy and water can thus be saved.

A washer in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention comprises a rack for accommodating objects to be washed suchas eating utensils, a washing tub for holding the rack, a cover foropening or closing an opening in the washing tub, a plurality of washingdevices having a spray port for spraying washing water to the objects tobe washed from various directions, a washing water feeding device forpressurizing the washing water, a controlling device for controlling thewashing water feeding device or the like, and a water dividingstructure. The water dividing structure, which includes a drivingdevice, is disposed in a passage for feeding/discharging the water(hereinafter called feeding/discharging passage) for connecting thewashing water feeding device with the washing devices. The washing wateris sequentially fed to the plurality of washing devices.

This structure allows spray of washing water to any object to be washedfrom a plurality of directions without increasing fed water. Highefficient washing for allowing speedy washing can thus be realized, anda number of rinsings is decreased. Consumed energy and also consumedwater are therefore reduced. Specifically, when the washer washes eatingutensils, the eating utensils can be arbitrarily set into the rack andthus a setting position and a setting method can be freely set, inaddition to production of the advantages discussed above. As a result,setting ability is further improved.

The washer of this exemplary embodiment preferably has the followingconstruction.

The water dividing structure comprises an aqueduct, a discharge port, arotary water dividing unit, and a divided water output unit. Theaqueduct guides the washing water pressurized by the washing waterfeeding device. The discharge port is disposed in any surface of asubstantial cylinder, and discharges the washing water guided by theaqueduct. The rotary water dividing unit is rotated by a driving deviceas a driving source. The divided water output unit has a plurality offeeding/discharging passages, covers the rotary water dividing unit, andsequentially feeds the washing water to the washing devices. In thisconstruction, one movable component is employed for the plurality offeeding/discharging passages, and thus changeover between channels isallowed. As a result, a simple and reliable water dividing structure canbe realized.

A plurality of discharge ports are formed in the rotary water dividingunit, and the washing water is supplied to the plurality of washingdevices. This increases washing water sprayed to the objects to bewashed per unit time, and improves washing performance in a short time.

The driving device is structured so as to set an arbitrary rotationalspeed. This allows the amount of washing water sprayed from each washingdevice to vary in response to quantity and quality of dirt adhered toeating utensils or the like. As a result, washing time is optimized toimprove washing performance, washing time is reduced, or energy issaved.

The driving device preferably includes a rotational angle detectingdevice for detecting a rotational angle. The washing water can thereforebe fed to a specific feeding/discharging passage at any time, andwashing energy corresponding to the degree of dirt of on the objects tobe washed can be applied.

The driving device is preferably structured so as to forwardly andreversely rotate. When the washing water is sprayed between specificwashing devices, the washing water does not need to be fed to a washingdevice other than a washing device contributing to washing. As a result,efficient washing is allowed.

The discharge ports formed in the rotary water dividing unit aredisposed at respective positions where rotational tracks of thedischarge ports are not identical. The rotary water dividing unit can bemade compact, and its rotating radius can be made small. Thefeeding/discharging passage is easily assigned to each washing device. Aconstruction where the feeding/discharging passage is not bent isallowed, so that pressure loss in the feeding/discharging passage can bereduced. Therefore, discharge force of the washing devices is increasedto improve washing performance, or the washing water feeding device isdownsized to downsize a mechanism unit.

At least one of the plurality of divided water discharge ports ispreferably disposed in a surface substantially vertical to a rotatingshaft of the rotary water dividing unit. Thanks to this divided waterdischarge port, washing water guided by the aqueduct has low channelresistance and is fed directly to the washing devices. Therefore, thedischarge force of the washing devices is increased to improve washingperformance, or the washing water feeding device is downsized to furtherdownsize the mechanism unit. Reaction force of the spray of the rotarywater dividing unit applied to a driving shaft of the driving device canalso be reduced, so that a mounting structure of the driving devicebecomes simple.

The rotary water dividing unit is preferably disposed substantiallyhorizontally. The rotary water dividing unit for dividing water to theplurality of washing devices is structured so as to have a short radiusand be long in the longitudinal direction. An optimum length of thefeeding/discharging passage can be set for each washing device disposedat a different position in a washing tub. Installing ability of thewater dividing structure itself onto the lower part of the washing tubcan be further improved. A water dividing structure having thefeeding/discharging passage of which a number of bendings is smaller canbe formed, so that passage pressure loss in the water dividing devicecan be reduced.

The driving shaft of the driving device is preferably disposed in thesubstantially same direction as a flow direction of washing waterdischarged from the washing water feeding device. The driving device isdisposed on the opposite side of the discharge port of the washing waterfeeding device with respect to the rotary water dividing unit. Thedriving device can thus be disposed between the discharge port of thewashing water feeding device and the aqueduct. Therefore, pressure lossin the channel decreases, and a structure between the driving shaft ofthe driving device and a rotating shaft of the aqueduct is simplified. Aseal disposed between the driving shaft and the driving source can beformed as a simple structure, so that undesired increase in cost can beprevented.

The divided water discharge port is preferably disposed at a positionhigher than the discharge port of the washing water feeding device. Airin the washing water feeding device is thus prevented from remaining inthe water dividing structure during water feeding, and the air flowsinto the washing tub through the washing devices. This prevents air fromremaining in a casing of the washing water feeding device, and thusentrainment of the air into the washing water. As a result, a problem inthat the entrainment disturbs the start of a washing pump is prevented,and washing failure is prevented to secure a stable washing performance.

Any surface of the rotary water dividing unit having the discharge portis preferably conical or curved. A difference between an entering angleand an exiting angle of washing water flow from the rotary waterdividing unit to the divided water discharge port can therefore bereduced. Passage pressure loss between the rotary water dividing unitand the divided water discharge port can also be reduced.

The changeover unit disposed in the water dividing structure preferablyhas a structure in which an opening area of at least one first dividedwater discharge port and a passage cross sectional area of a firstfeeding/discharging passage communicating with the first divided waterdischarge port are larger than an opening area of the discharge port.This can reduce pressure loss of washing water flowing through thechangeover unit. High washing and discharge force can therefore beobtained without using an oversized washing water feeding device.

The first divided water discharge port preferably has a rectangular orsubstantially elliptical shape, and is circumferentially longer thanthat of the discharge port. The washing device communicating with thefirst divided water discharge port can discharge washing water for alonger time than that of the other washing devices. The discharge timeof the washing devices can be changed without changing rotational speedof the driving source for driving the rotary water dividing unit.Therefore, sufficient washing water can be sprayed to eating utensilsfrom which dirt is easily removed in an inexpensive manner. Washing timeof eating utensils can be also reduced.

The first feeding/discharging passage preferably comprises the twofollowing passages: a passage of which cross the sectional area changesfrom the cross sectional area of the first divided water discharge portto a cross sectional area of a second feeding/discharging passage; and apassage having a cross sectional area substantially equal to a crosssectional area of a second divided water discharge port. Because ofthis, circulated washing water does not increase even when the passagesenlarge. Therefore, fed water is reduced to shorten a warming time,washing time can be reduced, and energy can be saved.

A circumferential length of the discharge port is preferablysubstantially equal to or longer than a circular arc length betweenadjacent divided water discharge ports. The discharge port thus surelypartially matches with any feeding/discharging passage. Excessivepressure increase can be prevented in a passage from the washing waterfeeding device to the washing devices. Therefore, excessive load onto aconnection part and a seal part in the washing passage is prevented fromextremely reducing endurance reliability.

A circumferential length of the discharge port is preferablysubstantially equal to or longer than the sum of a circular arc lengthof any divided water discharge port and a circular arc length betweenadjacent divided water discharge ports. An amount of circulated washingwater discharged from the washing water feeding device can thus alwaysbe kept constant. Therefore, a pressure variation of a connection partand a seal part in the feeding/discharging passage is prevented, andreduction of endurance reliability is prevented. Washing energydischarged individually from each washing device varies periodically,but washing energy discharged from the washing system as a whole isalways constant. Therefore, constant washing energy can be applied toeating utensils to allow efficient washing of the eating utensils.

The changeover unit disposed in the water dividing structure preferablyhas a rotary water dividing unit including a plurality of dischargeports. All discharge ports can be prevented from simultaneouslycommunicating with the divided water discharge ports during a changeoveroperation. Washing water discharged from the washing water feedingdevice is thus prevented from simultaneously being discharged from theplurality of washing devices. Therefore, a small amount of fed water candrive the washing water feeding device; that is a small motor having lowpower can be used. A mechanism unit can therefore be downsized. A bodycapable of washing more eating utensils is realized or the mechanismunit is downsized, thereby downsizing body volume. As a result, aninstallation area required for installing the washer is decreased, andinstalling ability is improved.

At least one of the plurality of discharge ports preferably has arectangular or substantially elliptical shape, and is circumferentiallylonger than the other discharge ports. A small amount of fed water canthus drive the washing water feeding device, though the plurality ofdischarge ports have different opening areas. Spray time of the washingdevices to the divided water discharge port is changed periodically inresponse to a longitudinal length of the rectangular shape, therebypreventing interference between the washing devices and thus preventingreduction of washing performance.

The plurality of discharge ports and divided water discharge ports arepreferably arranged in the rotary water dividing unit and the dividedwater output unit, respectively, so that washing water is alwaysdischarged from any one of the washing devices during washing. When therotary water dividing unit rotates, a part or the entirety of theopening of the discharge port certainly matches with the opening of thedivided water discharge port, wherever the discharge ports lie.Therefore, any one of the washing devices can always spray the washingwater to eating utensils or the like, and thus washing efficiency isfurther improved in a limited washing time.

At least one of the plurality of divided water discharge portspreferably has a rectangular or substantially elliptical shape, and iscircumferentially longer than the other divided water discharge ports.The feeding/discharging passage, which communicates with this dividedwater discharge port has a cross sectional area larger than those of theother feeding/discharging passages. The washing device communicatingwith the divided water discharge port and the feeding/dischargingpassage having the larger cross sectional area, can therefore repeat thefollowing discharges of washing water: discharge at a usual flow rateand a low pressure and for a long time; and discharge at a large flowrate and a low pressure and for a longer time. This spray of the washingwater has a high removing effect of garbage or the like adhered toeating utensils, and washing from an upper part of the washing tubincreases the effect. A variation of discharge pressure or dischargeflow rate causes change of spray flow rate and spray angle of thewashing devices. This allows wider and more efficient washing of theeating utensils or the like.

The divided water output unit preferably has a passage varying devicefor varying the cross sectional area of the divided water discharge portor the feeding/discharging passage. Flow rate and pressure of washingwater flowing to the washing device communicating with thefeeding/discharging passage having the passage varying device arearbitrarily switched. When there are fewer eating utensils, the passagevarying device is fully closed to stop spray from a part of the washingdevice. This increases the spray time from the other washing devices,and exhibits high washing performance in shorter time. For washingextremely soiled eating utensils, high-pressure washing is effective.Narrowing the passage varying device thus allows spray of the washingwater at high pressure, and therefore allows speedy washing. The washingmethod can thus be changed in response to quantity and quality of dirtadhered to the eating utensils or the like.

The controlling device preferably has an operating method of sprayingwashing water from any washing device. The washing water discharged fromthe washing water feeding device can be fed to any washing device bychangeover of the discharging passage connected to each washing device.Washing is therefore performed without increasing fed water. The washingwater is thus sprayed to eating utensils from a plurality of directionsthough flow rate is low, so that a high washing performance is obtained.

The water dividing structure preferably has a rotational positiondetecting device. The controlling device preferably controls anoperating method so that washing water is sprayed from a substantiallyupper part or side part in the washing tub at the end of at least anyrinsing process of a washing procedure. The washing water is thussprayed from a substantially upper part at the end of the sprayingprocess of the washing water, so that dirt such as garbage adhered to anobject to be washed is prevented from remaining on the object, and thedirt is certainly washed out. Therefore, the dirt such as garbage andthe washing water containing the dirt is speedily discharged out of thewasher, and rinsing performance is improved.

The water dividing structure preferably has a structure for arbitrarilycontrolling a feeding time of washing water to each washing device. Thecontrolling device preferably controls an operating method so that aspray time of each washing device is arbitrarily set for spray. Thespray time of a washing device for mainly washing eating utensilsaccommodated in the rack can be arbitrarily set depending onhardness-to-remove of the dirt adhered to the eating utensils.Therefore, even when an extremely dirty object to be washed is included,the dirt remaining on the object is prevented and washing performance isimproved.

The controlling device preferably controls an operating method so that afirst spray time, i.e. a spray time of each washing device during aprimary washing process, is longer than a second spray time, i.e. aspray time of each washing device during a rinsing process. Thus, theoptimum spray of washing water is allowed during each process. Forexample, washing is focused on a local part during the primary washingprocess, and the washing water is speedily and widely sprayed during therinsing process. High washing performance can therefore be realized.

The water dividing structure preferably has a structure for feedingwashing water to only a specific washing device. The controlling devicepreferably controls an operating method so that the washing water isselectively sprayed to eating utensils held in a partial region in therack. Thus, the washing devices can be selectively operated depending ona type or amount of objects to be washed. The objects to be washed canthus be concentratively and efficiently washed.

For accommodating a substantially equal amount of a substantiallyidentical type of objects to be washed, a plurality of racks arepreferably disposed in the washing tub. In other words, the rackstructure is not one in which a single rack simply and entirelyaccommodates the objects type-by-type used by a maximum number ofpersons, but one in which each of a plurality of racks can accommodate aset of eating utensils used by respective one to three persons. Thus,when fewer persons have their meals than usual, or eating timings of afamily are different from one member to another, eating utensils can bewashed efficiently and speedily in response to a variation of the numberof persons eating.

The controlling device preferably controls an operating method so thatall washing devices sequentially spray washing water during the primarywashing process or the rinsing process. In other words, while thewashing is performed with the washing devices only partially operated,all washing devices are temporarily used to wash the entire inside ofthe washing tub. The inside of the washing tub can therefore be keptclean.

At least one of feeding/discharging passages preferably communicateswith a functional device other than the washing devices. This requiresno new washing passage, and allows washing water discharged from thewashing water feeding device to be fed to the functional device. Thisfeeding operation is performed by controlling washing flow rate, spraytime, and its timing using the water dividing structure. Therefore, thefunctional device is inexpensive, and well-controlled washing water canbe directly used. The feeding/discharging passage can be used as adriving source of a movable unit such as an open/close valve disposed inthe functional device. A solenoid valve or other driving source is notrequired.

At least one of the feeding/discharging passages preferably communicateswith a draining passage for draining washing water out of the washer.This allows elimination of a drain pump for draining the washing waterin the washing tub. Therefore, volume of a washing mechanism unit can bereduced to reduce volume and cost of a product, or washing volume of thesame product can be expanded.

The functional device preferably has a function of a foreign mattercollecting device for collecting foreign matter contained in washingwater. The foreign matter in the washing water can thus be certainlycollected without newly forming a passage for collecting the foreignmatter. The washing water used for a final rinsing process does not needto be passed among the foreign matter. The washer can therefore havehigh rinsing performance.

At least one of the washing devices preferably communicates with awashing device for rotating and spraying washing water. A plurality ofwashing devices can thus spray the washing water to objects to be washedfrom various directions. Therefore, high efficient washing performancecan be obtained independently of shapes, setting positions, or a settingmethod of the objects to be washed.

The washing water feeding device is preferably vertically installed. Theaqueduct of the water dividing structure can thus be installed at alevel higher than the discharge port of the washing water feeding deviceand lower than the height of a lower part of the washing tub. The levelof a mechanism unit (a washing pump, a drain pump, or a fan) formed inthe lower part of the washing tub can thus be lowered.

A plurality of washing devices preferably jets air sequentially. Washingwater containing dirt can thus be removed from objects to be washedduring a draining operation in the rinsing process. Rinsing performancecan therefore be improved. Drying air is efficiently jetted to theobjects during a drying process. Drying performance can therefore beimproved. The washing water is not sprayed simultaneously from theplurality of washing devices, but sprayed sequentially. A small blastdevice can be used.

The washing water feeding device preferably has a function as the blastdevice. Conventionally, when a blast device is newly installed in thewashing passage, a mechanism for preventing washing water from intrudinginto the blast device is required. The washer of the present embodiment,however, does not require the mechanism. The washer is therefore simplerand inexpensive.

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be describedhereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Exemplary Embodiment 1

FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a dishwasher in accordance with exemplaryembodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a fragmentary sectionalview showing a water dividing structure and flow of washing water in thedishwasher. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing a waterdividing structure of the dishwasher. FIG. 4 is a fragmentary sectionalview showing a driving device of another water dividing structure of thedishwasher. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of still another washing deviceof the dishwasher. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of still another washingdevice of the dishwasher. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of still anotherwashing device of the dishwasher. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of stillanother washing device of the dishwasher. FIG. 9 is a perspective viewof still another washing device of the dishwasher. FIG. 10 is aperspective view of still another washing device of the dishwasher.

In FIG. 1, the dishwasher comprises body 21, washing tub 22, cover 23,exhaust port 24, rack 25, roller 26, rail surface 27, washing pump(washing water feeding device) 28, washing nozzle (washing device) 29,spray port 17, washing nozzle 30, washing nozzle 31, washing nozzle 32,drain pump 33, heater 34, water dividing structure 35, and controller(controlling device) 38.

Cover 23 is used for opening or closing an opening in the washing tub.Exhaust port 24 is formed in cover 23. Rack 25 accommodates eatingutensils, and roller 26 rotates. Rail surface 27 is disposed on a sideface of washing tub 22. Washing pump (washing water feeding device) 28pressurizes washing water. Washing nozzle (washing device) 29 isdisposed in a lower part of washing tub 22. Washing nozzle (washingdevice) 30 is disposed in upper part of washing tub 22. Washing nozzle(washing device) 31 is disposed on a back face of washing tub 22.Washing nozzle (washing device) 32 is disposed on the left face ofwashing tub 22. Rack 25 is supported by rail surface 27 through rotatingroller 26. Washing nozzle 29 sprays the washing water to the eatingutensils through spray port 17 while turning.

The right face of washing tub 22 has a washing nozzle (not shown) thatsprays the washing water while turning. A total of five washing nozzlesare thus disposed. Washing nozzle 29, washing nozzle 30, washing nozzle31, washing nozzle 32, and the washing nozzle (not shown) for the rightface constitute a washing system. Drain pump 33 drains from thedishwasher, the washing water reserved in washing tub 22. Heater 34heats the washing water, and heats air during drying. Heater 34 isdisposed in the bottom part of washing tub 22. Water dividing structure35 is disposed in feeding/discharging passage 37 for connectingdischarge port 36 in the washing pump with each washing nozzle.Controller (controlling device) 38 controls washing pump 28, drain pump33, and water dividing structure 35.

In FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the dishwasher comprises aqueduct 39 for guidingthe washing water pressurized by the washing pump, a rotary waterdividing unit 40, driving motor (driving device) 42, divided wateroutput unit 43, rotating shaft 45, oil seal 46, stationary positionsensor 48, and frame 49.

Rotary water dividing unit 40 has two discharge ports 41 formed in aside face of a substantial cylinder, and discharge ports 41 dischargethe washing water guided by aqueduct 39. Rotary water dividing unit 40is rotated by driving motor (driving device) 42 as a driving source.Divided water output unit 43 involves rotary water dividing unit 40, andhas divided water discharge ports 44 communicating with fivefeeding/discharging passages 37. Rotating shaft 45 connects a drivingshaft (not shown) of driving motor 42 with rotary water dividing unit40. Divided water output unit 43 has the oil seal 46 for watertightlysealing a gap between it and rotating shaft 45.

Aqueduct 39, rotary water dividing unit 40, driving motor 42, anddivided water output unit 43 constitute a water dividing structure.Rotation detecting disk 67 having rotational angle detecting slit 50 andstationary position detecting slit 51 on a peripheral part is coaxiallyfixed to rotating shaft 45. Rotation detecting disk 67 detects arotational angle of rotary water dividing unit 40 with rotational angledetecting sensor 47 fixed to aqueduct 39. Stationary position sensor 48is used for positioning to match a hole position of a discharge port 41to that of a divided water discharge port 44. Frame 49 supports thedriving motor, and fixes driving motor 42 to aqueduct 39. For supportingdriving motor 42, frame 49 may be structured integrally with aqueduct 39in a positioned state. Driving motor 42, rotation detecting disk 67,rotational angle detecting sensor 47, stationary position sensor 48 forpositioning, and controller 38 constitute a rotational angle detectingdevice.

Driving motor 42 described in the present exemplary embodiment has adirect current motor that is easily varied in rotational speed androtational direction by controller 38. However, driving motor 42 is notlimited to this, i.e. a geared motor including a change gear may be usedin consideration of use at low rotational speed. An alternating currentmotor may be used depending on a control method or a motor size. In thepresent exemplary embodiment, as the rotation detecting device fordetecting a stationary position and a rotational angle during rotationof rotary water dividing unit 40, a combination of an optical sensorusing a light receiving/emitting element and rotation detecting disk 67for passing or shielding light is used. However, the rotation detectingdevice is not limited to this, i.e. a stepping motor 68 capable ofcontrolling change of rotational speed and switching of rotationaldirection as shown in FIG. 4, or a motor (not shown) including anencoder may be used. Such structure can produce a similar advantages.

Referring to FIG. 5, FIG. 6, FIG. 7, FIG. 8, FIG. 9, and FIG. 10, thereare illustrated combinations of washing nozzles disposed at tips of thewater dividing structure (not shown). In these drawings, washing wateris sprayed sequentially to wash eating utensils and cooking utensils,namely objects to be washed. The washing nozzles are configured as, forexample, the following combination: rotating nozzle 52 for spraying thewashing water while turning and bar nozzle 53 (FIG. 5); rotating nozzle54 and fixed nozzle 55 (FIG. 6); two upper and lower rotating nozzles56, 57 (FIG. 7); two rotating nozzles 61, 62 disposed in the upper partof the washing tub, two rotating nozzles 63, 64 disposed in the lowerpart of the washing tub, and rotating nozzles 65, 66 disposed on leftand right side faces, respectively, of the washing tub (FIG. 8); only aplurality of fixed nozzles 58, 59, 60 (FIG. 9); rotating nozzles 130,131, 132 for spraying the washing water while rotating in a drawer typewasher (FIG. 10); or a rotating nozzle and a tower nozzle (not shown).Thus, washing nozzles having different combinations can be useddepending on conditions such as a size and a shape of the washing tub,or whether the washer has a single rack or a double-stack rack.

A basic operation of the dishwasher is similar to that of a conventionaldishwasher, and therefore description of the operation is omitted.

Operations and functions of water dividing structure 35, namely acharacteristic structure of the present embodiment, will be hereinafterdescribed. Washing water pressurized by washing pump 28 flows throughaqueduct 39, and discharges from discharge port 41 formed in rotarywater dividing unit 40. At this time, rotary water dividing unit 40 isrotated by driving motor 42, so that the washing water discharging fromdischarge port 41, sequentially discharges from five divided waterdischarge ports 44, and flows to respective washing nozzles. The washingwater is sequentially fed to washing nozzle 29 (lower face), washingnozzle for the right face (not shown), washing nozzle 32 (left sideface), washing nozzle 31 (back face), and washing nozzle 30 (upperpart). Thus, the washing water is not simultaneously fed to five washingnozzles, but sequentially fed to them. Therefore, the washing water canbe sprayed to any object to be washed from a plurality of directionswithout increasing fed water.

Dirt adhered to eating utensils or the like can thus be washed outquickly, and high efficient washing can be realized. Detergent or dirtattached to the eating utensils can be rinsed quickly, so that a numberof rinsings can be decreased. The number of rinsings can be decreasedwithout increasing water for one feeding. Therefore, heating time of thewashing water using the heater can be reduced, and energy and water canbe saved.

A number of washing nozzles can be increased without increasing fedwater, so that a washing method can be provided in which the washingwater is sprayed to objects to be washed such as eating utensils fromvarious directions. Therefore, when the user tries to set the objectsinto the rack, a user need not select setting positions and a settingmethod of placing the objects vertically or bottom upward. The user canfreely set the objects to be washed. The dishwasher can have highsetting ability. The dishwasher can have sufficient washing performanceeven for an eating utensil such as a square bowl, a deep and small bowl,or a square plate that cannot receive sufficient washing water becauseof spray from a single direction.

Water dividing structure 35 does not have a changeover valve or the likein feeding/discharging passage 37. Water dividing structure 35 has amechanism for switching each feeding/discharging passage 37 betweensubstantially cylindrical rotary water dividing unit 40 rotated bydriving motor 42 and divided water output unit 43. Therefore, intrusionof a foreign matter into the washing water does not cause malfunction ofa changeover valve, and thus the water dividing structure can be simpleand have unit reliability.

Two discharge ports 41 are disposed for five divided water dischargeports 44. Vertical and horizontal dimensions of each divided waterdischarge port 44 are equal to those of each discharge port 41. Thewashing water can thus simultaneously be fed to two washing nozzles.Spray time during which each washing nozzle sprays the washing waterduring one rotation of rotary water dividing unit 40 is two times longerthan spray time of the case in which the number of discharge ports 41 isone. Discharge pressure of the washing water decreases a little, butwashing power higher than that in a prior art washer can be secured.This is so because eating utensils held in an upper rack (not shown) areconventionally washed only by the lower washing nozzles, but in thepresent embodiment, they are washed also with the washing water sprayedfrom the upper part of washing tub 22. Therefore, amount of washingwater sprayed to the objects to be washed per unit time is increased,and washing performance is improved.

Driving motor 42 can freely set a rotational speed of rotary waterdividing unit 40 with controller 38. For example, when less dirt isadhered to an eating utensil such as a teacup or an eating utensil usedfor salad, the dirt is instantly washed out and removed from the eatingutensil only by spray of washing water. In this case, the spray timefrom one washing nozzle is not made long, but the rotational speed ofrotary water dividing unit 40 is made high and the washing water issprayed to the eating utensil in unit time from various directions. Thisallows speedy and more efficient washing. On the contrary, when anextremely dirty eating utensil to which much part of an egg or oil isadhered is washed, the spray time from one washing nozzle during onerotation of rotary water dividing unit 40 is made long. This improveswashing performance compared with a case in which the spray time is notmade long. Thus, amount of the washing water sprayed from each washingdevice is varied in response to quantity and quality of the dirt adheredto eating utensils, thereby optimizing and thus improving washingperformance, shortening washing time, or saving energy.

Using rotation detecting disk 67, rotational angle detecting sensor 47,and stationary position sensor 48 for positioning, driving motor 42 canrecognize a relatively positional relationship between discharge port 41in rotary water dividing unit 40 and five divided water discharge ports44. For example, for reducing washing time, times for sprays from thewashing nozzles in the lower part and upper part of washing tub 22 canbe made longer than spray times of the other washing nozzles. The sprayof the washing water to the cover causes increase of washing noise, butfor minimizing the spray the spray time from the washing nozzle on theback face may be shorter than the spray times of the other washingnozzles. Thus, the washing water can be fed to a specificfeeding/discharging passage at any time, washing energy can be appliedin response to a degree of dirt on the objects to be washed, and washingperformance can be improved. Washing noise can also be reduced.

Driving motor 42 rotates forwardly or reversely under control ofcontroller 38, so that the motor can arbitrarily rotate clockwise orcounter-clockwise. For example, when eating utensils are set only on aright half in the rack in the dishwasher shown in FIG. 8, washing wateris sprayed only from rotating nozzles 62, 64, 66 to most efficientlywash the eating utensils. When rotary water dividing unit 40 is rotatedonly in a single direction, the washing water is also fed to rotatingnozzles 61, 63, 65 for washing the left side in the rack where no eatingutensil is placed, and therefore washing is inefficient. However, inaddition to use of rotational angle detecting sensor 47 and stationaryposition sensor 48 for positioning, controller 38 controls driving motor42 to rotate it forwardly or reversely. The washing water can thereforebe sprayed only from rotating nozzles 62, 64, 66, and efficient washingis allowed in response to setting positions of eating utensils. As aresult, speedy washing is allowed, and energy is saved.

In a washing method using a plurality of washing nozzles, generally, afeeding/discharging passage is required for each washing nozzle toincrease fed water. When only fixed nozzles are used as shown in FIG. 9,many spray ports 17 are required for securing a predetermined washingperformance. In the present embodiment, however, at least one or all ofwashing nozzles are rotating nozzles that spray washing water whileturning. Therefore, in spite of a smaller amount of fed water, thewashing water can be sprayed to objects to be washed from variousdirections. High efficiency washing can be obtained independently ofshapes, setting positions, and a setting method of the eating utensils.

The driving device controls the rotary water dividing unit so as tomatch the opening position of a discharge port 41 with that of a dividedwater discharge port 44 during a draining process. This allows thewashing water to be discharged from the washer without remaining in thewater dividing structure, the washing nozzles, and thefeeding/discharging passages. Therefore, garbage and detergentcomponents contained in the washing water are discharged, and thuswashing performance and rinsing performance are improved. The presentinvention is not limited to the method of matching the position of adischarge port with that of a divided water discharge port, and therotary water dividing unit may be continuously rotated. The latter casealso produces similar advantages.

In the washer of the present embodiment, the following elements do notneed to be integrally formed, and each element may be individuallyformed. The elements are, for example, the device for controllingrotational speed or rotational direction (normal or reverse) of thedriving motor, a rotational angle detecting device, and the washingnozzles including a rotating nozzle. A dishwasher has been described inthe present embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to thisdishwasher. The washer structure of the present embodiment may also beemployed for a washer having a process of spraying washing water duringwashing and rinsing for removing foreign matter. The washer having theprocess of spraying washing water is, for example, a component washerfor removing grease or chips from a component machined by a machine toolor the like, a washer for a semiconductor wafer, or a vegetable washerfor removing foreign matters or chemicals from vegetables. In this case,similar advantages are realized.

Exemplary Embodiment 2

FIG. 11 is a sectional view of a dishwasher in accordance with exemplaryembodiment 2 of the present invention.

The washer of the present exemplary embodiment differs from that ofexemplary embodiment 1 in the following structure. Washing pump 28 isdisposed vertically. Feed water port 81 of the washing pump 28 isdisposed in a lower end of the washing pump. Discharge port 36 of thewashing pump 28 is disposed in an upper part of feed water port 81 ofthe washing pump 28 and projects substantially horizontally. Dividedwater discharge port 44 is disposed higher than discharge port 36.Stationary position sensor 48 for detecting a stationary position ofrotary water dividing unit 40 and rotational angle detecting sensor 47for detecting a rotational angle during rotation of rotary waterdividing unit 40 have a micro switch, and rotation detecting disk 67having concavities is combined with position sensor 48 and rotationalangle detecting sensor 47. In addition to detecting methods shown inexemplary embodiment 1 and exemplary embodiment 2, a detecting methodemploying a sensor using magnetism may also be used.

Elements of exemplary embodiment 2 similar to those in exemplaryembodiment 1 have the same reference numbers, and the descriptions ofthese elements is omitted.

Operations and functions of the washer will be described hereinafter.

Washing pump 28 is disposed vertically in the lower part of washing tub22. In a feed water process for feeding the washing water to washing tub22, the driving device controls the rotary water dividing unit so as tomatch the position of discharge port 41 with that of divided waterdischarge port 44 before feeding of the water. Otherwise, the drivingdevice controls the rotary water dividing unit to continuously rotate itduring the feed water process. In a conventional washer having ahorizontally placed washing pump, discharge port 36 of the washing pumpis positioned in an upper part of the pump. In this case, water dividingstructure 35 must also be disposed in the upper part of the pump, andthe height of a mechanism unit must be increased. In the presentembodiment, however, washing pump 28 is disposed vertically, so thatdischarge port 36 of the washing pump can be disposed at a lowerposition of the pump. Therefore, air exhausted from washing pump 28 canflow through water dividing structure 35 and smoothly exit each washingnozzle, even when the mechanism unit is lessened in height.

Regarding a positional relationship between discharge port 36 anddivided water discharge port 44, divided water discharge port 44 isdisposed higher than discharge port 36 of the washing pump withreference to a floor surface of receiving body 21. During the waterfeeding, air from washing pump 28 does not remain in water dividingstructure 35, and flows into washing tub 22 through washing nozzles 29,30, 31, 32. This prevents a problem of air remaining in a casing ofwashing pump 28, such that entrainment of the air into the washing wateroccurs, and therefore the washing pump does not work. As a result,washing failure is prevented and stable washing performance can besecured.

The elements, depending on the arrangement of the washing pump and aheight relation between the washing pump and the divided water dischargeport as described in embodiment 2, do not need to be formed integrally,and these elements may be independently formed.

Exemplary Embodiment 3

FIG. 13 is a fragmentary sectional view showing a structure of a waterdividing structure and flow of washing water in a dishwasher inaccordance with exemplary embodiment 3 of the present invention. FIG. 14is an exploded perspective view of the water dividing structure of thedishwasher.

The washer of exemplary embodiment 3 differs from that of exemplaryembodiment 1 in the following structure. A plurality of discharge ports41 are vertically separated from each other by any distance in the axialdirection of rotary water dividing unit 40. Rotation tracks of dischargeports 41 are not identical. Washing/discharging passages 37 havingdivided water discharge ports 44 are disposed on different planes.

Regarding the displacement of rotation tracks of discharge ports 41, therotation tracks of discharge ports 41 may be overlapped with each other,or the rotation tracks may not be overlapped with each other at all. Anyone of these arrangements produces advantages of the present invention.When the rotary water dividing unit is formed substantiallyhorizontally, feeding/discharging passages 37 can be formed at any rightand left positions of the divided water output unit. Therefore, awashing device, a water dividing structure, and other mechanism unitscan be arranged optimally.

Elements of exemplary embodiment 3 similar to those in exemplaryembodiment 1 have the same reference numbers, and the descriptions ofthese elements is omitted.

Operations and functions of water dividing structure 35, namely acharacteristic structure of embodiment 3, will be described hereinafter.Regarding a positional relationship of the plurality of discharge ports41 in rotary water dividing unit 40, discharge ports 41 are disposed atpositions where respective rotation tracks of the plurality of dischargeports 41 are not identical. Rotation radius of rotary water dividingunit 40 can therefore be decreased while an opening area is kept equalto that in a structure where discharge ports 41 are disposed on asubstantially identical track. Assignment of feeding/dischargingpassages 37 to a plurality of washing nozzles 29, 30, 31, 32 isfacilitated in a lower part of washing tub 22, and thus water dividingstructure 35 is downsized and installing ability is improved. Bendingfrequency of feeding/discharging passages 37 is low, and thereforepressure loss in feeding/discharging passages 37 can be reduced. As aresult, discharge force of washing nozzles is increased and washingperformance is improved, or a washing pump is downsized to furtherdownsize the mechanism unit.

Exemplary Embodiment 4

FIG. 15 is a sectional view of a dishwasher in accordance with exemplaryembodiment 4 of the present invention. FIG. 16 is a fragmentarysectional view showing a structure of a water dividing structure andflow of washing water in the dishwasher. FIG. 17 is an explodedperspective view of the water dividing structure of the dishwasher.

The washer of exemplary embodiment 4 differs from that of exemplaryembodiment 1 in the following structure. One of divided water dischargeports 82 is formed in a face that is substantially vertical to rotatingshaft 45 of rotary water dividing unit 40. Discharge ports 83 are formednot only in a side face of rotary water dividing unit 40 but also in atop face thereof.

Elements of exemplary embodiment 4 similar to those in exemplaryembodiment 1 have the same reference numbers, and the description ofthese elements is omitted.

Operations and functions of the washer will be described hereinafter.Water dividing structure 35 is vertically placed in exemplary embodiment1, so that all of a plurality of divided water discharge ports 44discharge the washing water substantially vertically to rotating shaft45 of rotary water dividing unit 40. The washing water flowing upwardlyin rotary water dividing unit 40 discharges from discharge ports 41,changing its flow direction by about 90°. A pressure loss thereforeoccurs in this stage. Specifically, when the washing water is fed towashing nozzle 29 for spraying the washing water from a lower direction,this pressure loss largely affects washing performance. In exemplaryembodiment 4, however, a channel is not bent substantially vertically byrotary water dividing unit 40. Therefore, the washing water guided byaqueduct 39 is fed directly to washing nozzle 29 through discharge port83 and divided water discharge port 82.

Thus, pressure loss can be minimized. Therefore, discharge force ofwashing nozzles is increased and washing performance is improved, or awashing pump is downsized to further downsize a mechanism unit. Thestructure discussed above decreases force in a thrust direction that isapplied to driving shaft 80 of driving motor 42, and reduces reactionforce of the spray (radial force) of the washing water discharged fromdischarge ports 41 in rotary water dividing unit 40. Therefore, amounting structure of driving motor 42 is simplified, and an inexpensivedishwasher is obtained.

Exemplary Embodiment 5

FIG. 18 is a sectional view of a dishwasher in accordance with exemplaryembodiment 5 of the present invention. FIG. 19 is a fragmentarysectional view showing a structure of a water dividing structure andflow of washing water in the dishwasher.

The washer of exemplary embodiment 5 differs from that of exemplaryembodiment 1 in the following structure.

Rotary water dividing unit 84 is disposed so that its axis is directedsubstantially horizontally. Driving shaft 71 of driving motor 86 isdisposed in a substantially the same direction as a flow direction ofwashing water discharged from washing pump 28. Driving motor 86 isdisposed on a side of rotary water dividing unit 84 that is opposite theside of rotary water dividing unit 84 on which discharge port 36 ofwashing pump 28 is disposed.

Elements of exemplary embodiment 5 similar to those in exemplaryembodiment 1 have the same reference numbers, and the description ofthese elements is omitted.

Operations and functions of the washer will be described hereinafter.Since the axis of rotary water dividing unit 84 is directedsubstantially horizontally, discharge port 36 of the washing pump,aqueduct 87, and rotary water dividing unit 84 can be arrangedsubstantially coaxially. A plurality of feeding/discharging passages 37can be horizontally disposed in a side face of rotary water dividingunit 84. Rotary water dividing unit 84 can thus be configured of aslender shape having a small diameter. Pressure loss in a path fromdischarge port 36 to discharge port 89 can be minimized. Lengths offeeding/discharging passages can thus be optimized for washing nozzles29, 30, 31, 32 disposed at different positions of washing tub 22. Waterdividing structure 35 itself can also be disposed in the lower part ofthe washing tub, and the installing ability of water dividing structure35 is also improved. A water dividing structure where the number ofbendings of feeding/discharging passages 37 is less can be obtained, andtherefore, passage pressure loss in water dividing structure 35 isreduced.

Regarding the arrangement of driving motor 86, driving motor 86 isdisposed on the opposite side of the rotary water dividing unit 84 withrespect to discharge port 36 of washing pump 28. Driving motor 86 doesnot therefore need to be disposed between discharge port 36 and aqueduct87. When driving motor 86 is disposed between discharge port 36 andaqueduct 87, a water dividing structure having a bent path betweendischarge port 36 and adequate 87 is required, pressure loss increases,and connecting structure between driving shaft 71 and rotating shaft 85of rotary water dividing unit 84 is complicated.

In the washer of embodiment 5, however, pressure loss in a channel isreduced, and connecting structure between the driving shaft of the motor86 and the rotating shaft of rotary water dividing unit 84 issimplified. A seal mechanism disposed between the rotary water dividingunit and the driving motor can also be formed as a simple structureusing an oil seal. Therefore, undesired increase in cost can beprevented, and thus the washer is inexpensive.

The washer of embodiment 5 allows reduction of pressure loss in eachchannel where the washing water flows, and also allows a water dividingstructure to be compact. Therefore, washing performance extremelyimproves, and a compact and inexpensive dishwasher is obtained.

The elements, depending on the installation direction of the rotarywater dividing unit and the installation position of the driving deviceas described in embodiment 5, do not need to be formed integrally, andeach element may be individually formed.

Exemplary Embodiment 6

FIG. 20 is a fragmentary sectional view showing a structure of a waterdividing structure and flow of washing water in a dishwasher inaccordance with exemplary embodiment 6 of the present invention.

The washer of exemplary embodiment 6 differs from that of exemplaryembodiment 1 in the following structure.

Any face of a rotary water dividing unit having discharge port 96 andany face of divided water output unit 97 corresponding to a face of therotary water dividing unit constitute a cone as shown in FIG. 20.

Elements of exemplary embodiment 6 similar to those in exemplaryembodiment 1 have the same reference numbers, and the descriptions ofthese elements is omitted.

Difference between an entering angle and an exiting angle of the washingwater flowing from rotary water dividing unit 95 to divided waterdischarge port 98 can therefore be reduced due to this structure.Pressure loss in a passage leading from rotary water dividing unit 95 todivided water discharge port 98 can thus be reduced. Discharge pressureof washing nozzles therefore increases. Therefore, washing performanceis improved, a washing pump is downsized, a mechanism unit is furtherdownsized, and thus the dishwasher can be further downsized. Differencebetween the entering angle and the exiting angle may be substantially90° or less in a plane having the discharge port in the rotary waterdividing unit and a plane having the divided water discharge port in thedivided water output unit. For example, these faces are planar,spherical, or curved. Such structure produces similar advantages.

Exemplary Embodiment 7

FIG. 21 is a fragmentary sectional view of a changeover unit of adishwasher in accordance with exemplary embodiment 7 of the presentinvention. FIG. 22 is a fragmentary sectional view showing a spray stateof the changeover unit of the dishwasher. FIG. 23 is a graph showingwater spray force of water sprayed from each washing device of thedishwasher, during one rotation of a water dividing structure.

The washer of exemplary embodiment 7 differs from that of exemplaryembodiment 1 in the following structure.

As shown in FIG. 21, rotation detecting disk (rotational positiondetecting device, controlling device) 67 having rotational angledetecting slits (rotational angle detecting structure) 50 and stationaryposition detecting slit (rotational position detecting structure) 51 onits outer periphery is coaxially fixed to rotating shaft 45. Rotationalangle detecting sensor (rotational angle detecting device, sensor usingreceiving and emitting of light) 47 fixed to aqueduct 39 detects arotational angle of rotary water dividing unit 40. Stationary positionsensor (rotational position detecting device, sensor using receiving andemitting of light) 48 for positioning is disposed at a position wherethe opening of discharge port 41 matches with that of specific dividedwater discharge port 44. Stationary position sensor 48 for positioningis used for matching the opening position of discharge port 41 with thatof divided water discharge port 44. A rotational position detectingdevice comprises stationary position sensor 48 for positioning,stationary position detecting slit 51, and rotation detecting disk 67.

By using rotational angle detecting sensor 47 and stationary positionsensor 48, the washing water can be discharged from a specific washingdevice, and the controlling device can determine which discharge port 41matches with divided water discharge port 44. Stationary positiondetecting slit 51 is formed at such a position that a state where bothrotational angle detecting sensor 47 and stationary position sensor 48detect light, or neither of them detects light, occurs only once for onerotation of rotation detecting disk 67. A plurality of rotational angledetecting slits 50 formed in rotation detecting disk 67 is formed atpositions where the opening of divided water discharge port 44 matcheswith that of discharge port 41. When only rotational angle detectingsensor 47 detects or does not detect light, a controller determines that“the opening of divided water discharge port 44 matches with that ofdischarge port 41”. When both rotational angle detecting sensor 47 andstationary position sensor 48 detect light, or neither of them detectslight, the controller determines that “rotary water dividing unit 40comes to a stationary position”. Frame (water dividing structure) 49 forsupporting a driving motor has a function of fixing driving motor 42 toaqueduct 39. Driving motor 42 is supported with frame 49 positioned toaqueduct 39, and these may be integrally structured. Rotary waterdividing unit 40, rotating shaft 45, oil seal 46, frame 49 forsupporting the driving motor, a driving shaft 80, and driving motor 42constitute a changeover unit. Aqueduct 39, divided water output unit 43,and changeover unit 101 constitute a water dividing structure (waterdividing structure 35).

The number of discharge ports 41 in embodiment 7 is one; however, thenumber is not limited to this. However, the number of discharge ports 41is preferably smaller than a number of feeding/discharging passages 37.This produces similar advantages.

Discharge port 41 is formed in a side face of rotary water dividing unit40 in embodiment 7; however, the present invention is not limited tothis. Discharge port 41 may be formed in a face substantially verticalto rotating shaft 45 and directed towards divided water discharge port44 formed in divided water output unit 43. This produces similaradvantages.

FIG. 22 shows a state where rotary water dividing unit 40 rotates tosequentially match divided water discharge port 44 formed in the sideface of rotary water dividing unit 40 with discharge port 41communicating with each washing nozzle, and thus washing water issequentially fed to each washing nozzle.

FIG. 23 shows variation of spray force of each washing nozzle during onerotation of rotary water dividing unit 40.

Various combinations of washing nozzles are considered in response to acondition such as a single-stack rack or a double-stack rack, but awashing method using a plurality of washing nozzles produces advantagessimilar to that of embodiment 7.

Operations and functions of water dividing structure 35, which is acharacteristic structure of embodiment 7, will be described hereinafter.Washing water pressurized by washing pump 28 firstly passes throughaqueduct 39 and discharges from discharge port 41 formed in rotary waterdividing unit 40. At this time, rotary water dividing unit 40 iscontinuously rotated at a low speed by driving motor 42, and the openingposition of discharge port 41 sequentially matches with those of fivedivided water discharge ports 44. When these opening positions matchwith each other, the washing water is fed to each washing nozzle througheach discharging passage.

The operations will be described hereinafter. Stationary position sensor48 and rotational angle detecting sensor 47 function to temporarily stoprotary water dividing unit 40 at a position where divided waterdischarge port 44 communicating with a lower face of washing nozzle 30matches with discharge port 41. At this time, the washing water issprayed from washing nozzle 30 for a certain amount of time. Next, forfeeding the washing water to washing nozzle 29, rotary water dividingunit 40 is rotated until discharge port 41 matches with divided waterdischarge port 44 communicating with washing nozzle 29. After stoppageof rotary water dividing unit 40 for the certain amount of time, therotary water dividing unit is rotated again. Such a series of operationsare performed. FIG. 23 shows spray force of each washing nozzle andoperations of rotary water dividing unit 40. When rotary water dividingunit 40 is rotated continuously, an opening area between discharge port41 and divided water discharge port 44 gradually changes, and thereforethe spray force continuously changes. When rotary water dividing unit 40is temporarily stopped during an operation, the maximum spray force canbe maintained for a certain amount of time.

The water dividing structure can thus switch between dischargingpassages for the washing water discharged from the washing pump, so thatthe washing pump power and a fed water amount required for operating asingle washing nozzle can operate a plurality of washing nozzles.

When a conventional structure using only a single nozzle is changed tothe structure using a plurality of washing nozzles, washing performancecan be improved using a washing pump having a power equivalent to thatof a conventional pump. At this time, the fed water does not need to beincreased, so that a longer operating time is not required. Consumedenergy and water are saved, and high washing performance is obtained.

In a conventional washing method where upper and lower nozzles spraywater simultaneously, water flows may interfere with each other on aneating utensil to disturb exhibition of original performance. In thewashing method of embodiment 7, however, washing water is sequentiallysprayed, so that the sprayed washing water flows do not interfere witheach other and thus efficient washing is obtained.

During a primary washing process or a rinsing process in embodiment 7,the controller is controlled so that the washing water is finallysprayed from a washing nozzle disposed on a top face or a side face ofthe washing tub. The structure is firstly described. Stationary positiondetecting slit 51 formed in rotational detecting disk 67 is set so thatthe slit matches with discharge port 41 and divided water discharge port44 for discharging the washing water to washing nozzle 30 disposed in anupper part of washing tub 22.

Each washing nozzle also sequentially sprays the washing water during arinsing process. During completion of the rinsing process, controller 38performs the following control. Rotary water dividing unit 40 istemporarily stopped based on a signal of stationary position sensor 48in consideration of the rotational speed and the position of rotarywater dividing unit 40 and a certain spray time from the upper part ofthe tub. The washing water is then sprayed from the upper part of thetub for a certain amount of time.

A specific spray method will be illustrated hereinafter.

The primary washing time and the rinsing time during an operationalprogram are generally set based on timing and temperature of washingwater. A heating/rinsing process finally performed during the rinsingprocess finishes when the temperature of the washing water reaches about70°. The rinsing process comprises a process of performing a rinsingoperation controlled based on two or three time periods and aheating/rinsing process controlled based on the temperature of thewashing water. The heating/rinsing process serves to raise thetemperature of the washing water to about 70°.

During the primary washing process and the rinsing process controlledbased on time, therefore, rotary water dividing unit 40 is firstly movedto a stationary position, an operation is then started, a spray time anda stop time for each washing nozzle of rotary water dividing unit 40 areset, and finally the washing water is sprayed from the washing nozzledisposed on the top face or the side face of the tub. The controllerthus controls the operation.

The fed water amount and the temperature of the washing water duringwater feeding varies during the heating/rinsing process, so that afinishing time of the heating and rinsing cannot be specified. However,the stationary position of the rotary water dividing unit is set to aspray position for the washing nozzle disposed on the top face or theside face of the tub, thereby finishing the operation when thetemperature of the washing water rises to a temperature close to a valuefor finishing the heating and rinsing. Otherwise, after the temperaturerises, the washing water is sprayed from the washing nozzle disposed onthe top face or the side face of the tub, and then the operation isfinished. During the process of stopping the operation based on a timecontrol, the spray time or the stop time during the operation is changedin response to the finishing time, thereby realizing the operation ofembodiment 7. A performing method of these operations is determinedbased on a characteristic of any process.

The washing water is sprayed to eating utensils from the upper part inof the tub during completion of any process in embodiment 7. Therefore,dirt is easily removed from the eating utensils to allow certainrinsing. Re-adhesion of dirt to a rim at a bottom of a cup can beminimized. Fine garbage or the like adhered to the eating utensils canbe discharged early during the washing process. The washing performanceis further improved.

When the process of performing rinsing from the upper part of the tub isperformed during at least several rinsing processes, its advantages canbe obtained. However, when rinsing from the upper part of the tub isperformed during all rinsing processes and the primary washing process,the advantages are further improved.

Regarding the spray time of each washing device, the controller controlsrotational angle detecting sensor 47, stationary position sensor 48, anddriving motor 42 in a structure of embodiment 7, and thus the spray timeof the washing water from each washing device can be arbitrarily set.Dirt adhered to eating utensils is easily removed or is hardly removeddepending on types of the dirt, when the eating utensils are washed. Forexample, a grain of rice or the like adhered to a rice bowl is hardlyremoved, and dirt on a teacup or the like is relatively easily removed.The rack in the dishwasher is designed so that setting positions of theeating utensils in response to types of the eating utensils arerestricted to some extent. A spray mechanism for the washing nozzles isdesigned in response to this.

The washing nozzle for spraying the washing water toward a settingposition of a teacup having the hardly removed dirt requires a longspray time in embodiment 7. A washing nozzle for spraying the washingwater to a vessel for small articles also requires a spray time longerthan that of the other washing nozzles. Here, the dirt adhered to thevessel is easily removed by the spray from the upper part of the tub.Thus, a spray time of each washing nozzle can be set, in considerationof easiness of removal of the dirt and a spray direction where the dirtis easily removed depending on an eating utensil arrangement. As anexample, a spray time of each washing nozzle is set so that spray timesfor a place having hard-to-remove dirt, a place having easy-to-removedirt, and other places are 30 seconds, 5 seconds, and 10 seconds,respectively.

In the dishwasher accommodating eating utensils having differenthard-to-remove dirt, therefore, an operation having an optimal spraytime corresponding to characteristics of eating utensils and dirt allowsmore efficient washing, prevents washing failure, and provides highwashing performance.

Spray times during a primary washing process and rinsing process will bedescribed hereinafter. The spray time is defined as shown below inembodiment 7. The spray time means a certain amount of time in which anywashing nozzle sprays the washing water in a state where discharge port41 is stopped temporarily. Specifically, the spray time during theprimary washing process is called a first spray time, and the spray timeduring the rinsing process is called a second spray time.

The controller in embodiment 7 is operated so that the first spray timeis longer than the second spray time. During the primary washingprocess, essentially, a chemical force due to detergent and a washingforce due to heat are combined for washing in order to remove dirtadhered to eating utensils. Specifically, in the case of using of amachine force generated by the spray of the washing water, high washingperformance is obtained by spraying a large quantity of washing water ata time, rather than by spraying a small quantity of washing waterseveral times. On the contrary, during the rinsing process, a sprayingof the washing water and several water dischargings and water feedingsare repeated in a short time to mainly wash away fine dirt adhered tothe eating utensils or the inside of the washing tub. The eatingutensils are more certainly rinsed in a short time by spraying thewashing water to the eating utensils uniformly from the most possibledirections. In other words, preferably, the first spray time is set longand the washing is certainly performed, and the second spray time is setshort and the number of sprayings from each washing nozzle is increased.As an example, preferably, the first spray time is 10 seconds, and thesecond spray time is 5 seconds.

During washing in embodiment 7, therefore, the optimal spray time ofeach washing nozzle is set, thereby realizing high washing performance.

The water dividing structure illustrated in embodiment 7, the operatingmethod of spraying the washing water from the upper part of the tubduring completion of the operation, spray time difference between theprimary washing process and the rinsing process, and the operatingmethod allowing setting of the spray time of each washing nozzle in anyprocess do not need to be wholly realized. For example, each process oreach element may be independent. All procedures of the washing processdo not need to be performed. For example, at least one procedure of itmay be performed, and similar advantages can be produced.

The rotary water dividing unit in embodiment 7 mainly rotates and stopsrepeatedly; however, the present invention is not limited to this. Arotary water dividing unit may be continuously moved. In the lattercase, the rotational speed is varied to perform an operation similar tothat in embodiment 7. Thus, similar advantages can be produced. Astructure in which the rotary water dividing unit rotates at a constantspeed is also allowed, and similar advantages can be produced.

Exemplary Embodiment 8

FIG. 24 is a fragmentary sectional view showing a double-stack rack of adishwasher in accordance with exemplary embodiment 8. FIG. 25 is afragmentary perspective view of a water dividing structure of thedishwasher.

The washer of exemplary embodiment 8 differs from that of exemplaryembodiment 1 in the following structure.

The rack of the dishwasher comprises upper rack 121 and lower rack 122.Washing water discharged from discharge port 102 formed in rotary waterdividing unit 124 is discharged to two washing nozzles; washing nozzle72 for the upper rack and washing nozzle 73 for the lower rack. Dividedwater output unit 126 therefore has two divided water discharge ports75.

Basic structures and operations of the water dividing structure inexemplary embodiment 8 are similar to those in exemplary embodiment 1.Elements of exemplary embodiment 8 similar to those in exemplaryembodiment 1 have the same reference numbers, and the descriptions ofthese elements is omitted.

Operations and functions will be described hereinafter. As discussedabove, the dishwasher of embodiment 8 has a structure in which the rackcomprises the upper and lower racks and the upper and lower racks havewashing nozzles 72, 73, respectively. In this structure, washing watercan be sequentially sprayed from usual upper and lower washing nozzlesusing water dividing structure 35, and further washing nozzle 72 for theupper rack or washing nozzle 73 for the lower rack can be easilyindividually operated. For washing eating utensils together such as cupslow in height, for example, a user sets the eating utensils into upperrack 121, pushes an upper rack washing course switch (not shown) formedon an operating unit (not shown) to select a washing course for theeating utensils in the upper rack. At this time, discharge port 102rotates until it faces divided water discharge port 75 communicatingwith washing nozzle 72 for the upper rack. The washing water is sprayedfrom washing nozzle 72 to wash the eating utensils in upper rack 121. Awater amount fed to washing tub 22 is less than that for washing theeating utensils accommodated in both the upper and lower racks.Therefore, the time required for raising washing temperature is reduced,and the washing time can be reduced.

For washing large cooking utensils such as a bowl, a pan, and a fryingpan used for cooking, these cooking utensils are set into lower rack 122capable of easily holding bulky eating utensils having large volume. Alower rack washing course switch (not shown) formed on the operatingunit (not shown) is pushed to wash these cooking utensils. An operationof discharge port 102 is opposite against the operation discussed above,and discharge port 102 rotates until it faces divided water dischargeport 75 communicating with washing nozzle 73 for the lower rack. Thewashing water is sprayed from washing nozzle 73 to wash the eatingutensils in lower rack 122. Thus, water consumption is reduced andwashing time can be reduced, similarly to the case of washing of theutensils in the upper rack. Power consumption is also reduced.

In embodiment 8, a washing device can be selectively operated inresponse to types or volume of eating utensils. The eating utensils canbe concentratively and efficiently washed.

Exemplary Embodiment 9

FIG. 26 is an exploded perspective view of a water dividing structure ofa dishwasher in accordance with exemplary embodiment 9 of the presentinvention. FIG. 27 is a perspective view showing spray of washing waterin the dishwasher. FIG. 28 is a sectional view showing a rack state inthe dishwasher.

The washer of exemplary embodiment 9 differs from that of exemplaryembodiment 1 in the following structure.

A body, of which a depth is smaller than a width, includes two washingnozzles disposed in a lower part of a washing tub, and a water dividingstructure, as shown in FIG. 26, FIG. 27, and FIG. 28. Thus, onlyutensils in left rack 110 or right rack 111 can be washed. An operationof sequentially spraying the washing water from all washing devices isperformed during any washing process.

Basic structures and operations of the water dividing structure inexemplary embodiment 9 are similar to those in exemplary embodiment 1.Elements of exemplary embodiment 9 similar to those in exemplaryembodiment 1 have the same reference numbers, and the descriptions ofthese elements is omitted.

In FIG. 26, the washing water is sprayed only to the left rack or theright rack. Driving motor 86 is formed of a direct current motor capableof rotating forwardly and reversely, and four divided water dischargeports communicating with left and right washing nozzles 90, 91, 92, 93are formed of divided water discharge port 103 for the lower leftwashing nozzle 90, divided water discharge port 104 for the upper leftwashing nozzle 91, divided water discharge port 105 for the upper rightwashing nozzle 92, and divided water discharge port 106 for the lowerright washing nozzle 93. For washing only utensils in the left rack 110,controller 38 controls rotary water dividing unit 40 to forwardly andreversely rotate it between divided water discharge port 103 for thelower left washing nozzle 90 and divided water discharge port 104 forthe upper left washing nozzle 91. For washing only utensils in the rightrack 111, controller 38 controls rotary water dividing unit 40 toforwardly and reversely rotate it between divided water discharge port105 and divided water discharge port 106.

In FIG. 27, the washing nozzles comprise lower left washing nozzle 90,upper left washing nozzle 91, upper right washing nozzle 92, and lowerright washing nozzle 93. Operating unit 94 includes operating switch 185for making right and left washing nozzles sequentially spray the washingwater, left operating switch 186 for making upper and lower washingnozzles on the left side alternately spray the washing water, rightoperating switch 187, and a washing course selecting switch 188 forbeing selected in response to dirt on the eating utensils.

In FIG. 28, washing tub 22 is provided with two racks, left rack 151 andright rack 152, and these racks can be drawn independently. Respectiverack configurations of left rack 151 and right rack 152 are the same.The same volume of eating utensils having the same configuration can beset into each rack.

Functions for independently washing eating utensils accommodated in leftrack 151 and right rack 152 will be firstly described. As is well knownin a common home, volume of eating utensils set into a dishwasher andsetting timing vary between a weekday and a holiday, or betweenbreakfast or dinner and lunch. For example, in a conventionaldishwasher, when a dinner time of a housewife and a child differs fromthat of another person, generally, eating utensils of the another personas the last to have dinner are set into the rack, and then a washingoperation for the eating utensils of all members is started. With thismethod, however, the eating utensils of the housewife and the child thatare firstly set into the rack are allowed to stand for a long time untilthe operation of the dishwasher is begun. Therefore, disadvantageously,dirt adhered to the eating utensils of the housewife and child is hardlyremoved, and washing quality is degraded. Another disadvantage occurswhen eating utensils corresponding to a half of the number of membersare set into one rack, for example, when plates are set on the left sidein the rack and rice bowls are set on the right side in the rack. Inother words, all washing nozzles must be operated in order to wash theeating utensils, in spite of a half volume of eating utensils.

In embodiment 9, however, a half volume of eating utensils can be washedwith less fed water, so that eating utensils having dirt thereon are notallowed to stand uselessly and clearing of the table can be finishedearly.

When a washing operation is repeated using only part of a plurality ofwashing nozzles, generally, garbage or soil water partially accumulatesin the non-used side of the washing tub, and therefore generates odorand is unsanitary.

In the structures described in embodiment 9 and embodiment 8, however,an operation of sequentially spraying washing water from all the washingdevices is performed during a primary washing process or during arinsing process. Therefore, even when only part of the washing devicesis operated, the entire inside of the washing tub is washed with all thewashing devices and thus the inside of the washing tub can be keptclean.

The function and the operating method using a plurality of racks, andthe operating method of sequentially spraying washing water from allwashing devices during completion of a process do not need to be whollyperformed. For example, each of them may be independently performed.

Exemplary Embodiment 10

FIG. 29 is an exploded perspective view of a water dividing structure ofa dishwasher in accordance with exemplary embodiment 10 of the presentinvention. FIG. 30 is a fragmentary sectional view of a changeover unitof the dishwasher.

The washer of exemplary embodiment 10 differs from that of exemplaryembodiment 1 in the following structure.

Two discharge ports 41 are arranged not to simultaneously match withdivided water discharge ports 44, as shown in FIG. 29 and FIG. 30. Apositional relationship of the discharge ports 41 and divided waterdischarge ports is maintained so that passage pressure loss does notoccur when rotary water dividing unit 40 rotates to match discharge port41 with a divided water discharge port 44 and washing water fromdischarge port 41 flows into the divided water discharge port 44.

Two discharge ports 41 are arranged on the same circumference of rotarywater dividing unit 40 in embodiment 10. Two additional discharge ports41 may be formed on a different circumference, but in this case, it isprohibited that all discharge ports 41 match with a plurality of dividedwater discharge ports 44. Thus, advantages are produced.

In FIG. 30, rotary water dividing unit 40 rotates to sequentially matchdivided water discharge ports 44 formed in a side face of the rotarywater dividing unit with discharge ports 41 communicating withrespective washing nozzles, and to sequentially feed the washing waterto the respective washing nozzles. An effective opening area betweendischarge port 41 and divided water discharge port 44 continuouslyvaries with rotating rotary water dividing unit 40. When the effectiveopening area is maximum, namely when one discharge port 41 matchesexactly with one divided water discharge port 44, maximum flow rate issupplied to the washing nozzle. At this time, variation of the effectiveopening area occurs at two points. Discharge ports 41 and divided waterdischarge ports 44 are arranged so that the sum of the effective openingareas at two points substantially equals an area of one discharge port41. The effective opening area determined by a relative positionalrelationship between discharge ports 41 and divided water dischargeports 44 is used for determining a circulated flow rate of a washingpump. The effective opening area is suppressed to a value that isderived by subtracting the area of one discharge port 41 from the areaof all discharge ports 41. Thus, when there are three discharge ports41, the discharge ports 41 are arranged so as to suppress the effectiveopening area to the area of about two discharge ports 41. For feedingthe washing water to all washing nozzles at the same time, a largewashing pump is required and the fed water must be increased.Disadvantageously, a mechanism unit is enlarged, washing time isincreased, and water consumption is increased. The effective openingarea depends on the number of washing nozzles, the number of dischargeports, and power of the washing pump. For reducing fed water, theeffective opening area may be suppressed to a value not smaller than avalue that is derived by subtracting the area of one discharge port fromthe area of all discharge ports.

In a conventional washer employing a plurality of washing nozzles, thewashing water must be simultaneously fed to the washing nozzles, andtherefore a large washing pump and much fed water are required.

In the washer in embodiment 10, however, a water dividing structure canswitch between discharging passages of washing water discharged from awashing pump. Therefore, the washing pump's power and the amount of fedwater required for operating a single washing nozzle can operate aplurality of washing nozzles.

As a result, the mechanism unit and products are downsized. Capacity foreating utensils is expanded, energy and water are largely saved, andoperating time is reduced.

Exemplary Embodiment 11

FIG. 31 is a fragmentary sectional view of a changeover unit of adishwasher in accordance with exemplary embodiment 11 of the presentinvention.

The washer of exemplary embodiment 11 differs from that of exemplaryembodiment 1 in the following structure.

As shown in FIG. 31, the opening of one discharge port 41 a of twodischarge ports has a rectangular or substantially elliptical shapecircumferentially longer than that of another discharge port 41 b.Rotary water dividing unit 40 is rotated by driving motor 42 that simplycontinuously rotates at a constant speed without requiring the detectionof a position or a rotational angle. Basic structures and functions forforming a water dividing structure are similar to those of exemplaryembodiment 1. Elements of exemplary embodiment 11 similar to those inexemplary embodiment 1 have the same reference numbers, and thedescriptions of these elements is omitted.

Operations and functions will be described hereinafter. Since aplurality of divided water discharge ports 44 have the same shape androtary water dividing unit 40 rotates at a constant speed, spray time ofthe washing water by each washing nozzle for one spray increases withincreasing circumferential circular arc length of the discharge port.When the washing water is discharged from two discharge ports havingdifferent circular arc lengths to respective divided water dischargeports 44, the washing water is sprayed from one washing nozzlealternately during two different spray times. Specifically, when thereare many washing nozzles and discharge ports, the washing water issprayed simultaneously from a plurality of washing nozzles, andtherefore washing waters sprayed from adjacent washing nozzles interferewith each other to degrade washing performance. That is, when thewashing waters collides with each other before collision of the washingwaters with eating utensils, washing energy applied to dirt adhered tothe eating utensils is reduced. When a washing water flow collides witha washing water flow on an eating utensil for rinsing garbage, rinsingperformance is reduced. Degradation of washing performance thus occurs.

In exemplary embodiment 11, however, spray timings of washing watersfrom respective washing nozzles can be arbitrarily staggered. Thewashing waters sprayed from respective washing nozzles can therefore beprevented from interfering with each other, and degradation of washingperformance, which disadvantageously occurs during a simultaneouswashing method of multi washing nozzles, can be extensively reduced.Stable and high washing performance, energy saving, and speedy washingcan be realized.

The driving motor of the rotary water dividing unit continuouslyoperates in embodiment 11, so that the speed of the driving motor doesnot need be varied and a detecting unit for a position of afeeding/discharging passage is not required. This simplifies thestructure and reduces cost.

Exemplary Embodiment 12

FIG. 32 is a fragmentary sectional view of a changeover unit of adishwasher in accordance with exemplary embodiment 12 of the presentinvention.

The washer of exemplary embodiment 12 differs from that of exemplaryembodiment 10 in the following structure.

As shown in FIG. 32, discharge ports are arranged in a rotary waterdividing unit so that any one of washing devices discharges washingwater. Basic structures and operations of the water dividing structureare similar to those in exemplary embodiment 1. Elements of exemplaryembodiment 12 similar to those in exemplary embodiment 1 have the samereference numbers, and the description of these elements is omitted.

Operations and functions will be described hereinafter. During anoperation in which rotary water dividing unit 40 is rotated to directthe washing water discharged from washing pump 28, a plurality ofdischarge ports 41 always communicate with one divided water dischargeport 44, and the washing water is not simultaneously discharged to thewashing passages. The washing water is always sprayed from one placewhile the plurality of washing nozzles are sequentially switched.Washing pump 28 requires power for dashing water corresponding to onlyone discharge port 41, though washing pump 28 has the plurality ofwashing nozzles and discharge port 41. When a small washing pump with asmall flow rate can be used, fed water reserved in washing tub 22 can bereduced. The reduction of the flow quantity can further shorten warmingtime of the washing water. Energy saving, speedy washing, and watersaving can be realized. The washing pump can be downsized, so that aspace of a mechanism unit in a body can be reduced and therefore adishwasher having expanded washing capacity is obtained. A bodydimension is reduced. The downsizing of the body improves the installingability that most severely disturbs the spread of dishwashers.

Washing energy, namely the product of discharge pressure and dischargeflow quantity, in embodiment 12 is less than that in embodiment 1.However, the fed water of the washer in embodiment 12 can be reducedgreater than that of the washer in embodiment 1. Therefore, the warmingtime of the washing washer in the washer in embodiment 12 is shortened,more thermal energy can be applied to eating utensils, and thus highwashing performance can be maintained.

Exemplary Embodiment 13

FIG. 33 is a fragmentary perspective view of a changeover unit of adishwasher in accordance with exemplary embodiment 13 of the presentinvention. FIG. 34 is a sectional view of a passage varying device ofthe dishwasher

The washer of exemplary embodiment 13 differs from that of exemplaryembodiment 10 in the following structure.

As shown in FIG. 33 and FIG. 34, discharge ports in rotary waterdividing unit 40 are rectangular, and have two types of openings: normaltype discharge port 41 b and horizontally long type discharge port 41 a.Divided water discharge ports also have two types of openings; normaltype divided water discharge port 45 b and horizontally long typedivided water discharge port 45 a. Washing/discharging passage 70communicating with horizontally long type divided water discharge port45 a and spray port 17 of washing nozzle 150 have a larger crosssectional area than that of feeding/discharging passage 37. A passagevarying device for varying passage cross sectional area is disposed inwashing/discharging passage 70 of divided water output unit 43. Variablevalve 172 is turnably disposed in washing/discharging passage 70. Spring74 disposed on turning shaft 173 of variable valve 172 presses variablevalve 172 against an inner wall of washing/discharging passage 70. Rod177 has a function of pressing variable valve 172. Rod 177 is slidablymounted on a wall face of washing/discharging passage 70 via oil seal178. Rod 177 linearly slides between pinion 179 disposed on rod 177 andrack 182 mounted on rod driving motor 181, thereby varying the passagecross sectional area. A turning angle of variable valve 172 is detectedby detecting an initial position and a stroke of rod 177.

Variable valve 172, turning shaft 173, spring 74, rod 177, oil seal 178,pinion 179, rod driving motor 181, and rack 182 constitute the passagevarying device. For moving the rod, a mechanism for moving the rod witha solenoid coil, an air pump, a fluid pump, or a cam is used (notshown).

Basic structures and functions for forming a water dividing structureare similar to those of exemplary embodiment 1. Elements of exemplaryembodiment 13 similar to those in exemplary embodiment 1 have the samereference numbers, and the descriptions of these elements is omitted.

Operations and functions will be described hereinafter. Spray time ofwashing water from a washing device, spray pressure, and spray flowquantity can be variously changed with a matching manner between eachdischarge port and each divided water discharge port. For example, whenwashing nozzle 88 communicating with normal opening type divided waterdischarge port 45 b overlaps on with normal opening type discharge port41 b, washing water is sprayed at normal pressure A1 and normal flowquantity B1 and for a spray time C1. Next, when washing nozzle 88overlaps with horizontally long type discharge port 41 a, the washingwater is sprayed at normal pressure A1 and normal flow quantity B1 andfor spray time C2 that is longer in accordance with the horizontallylong length.

When washing nozzle 189 with a large flow rate communicating withhorizontally long type divided water discharge port 45 a overlaps onnormal opening type discharge port 41 b, washing water is sprayed atslightly low pressure A2 and normal flow quantity B1 and for spray timeC2. Next, when washing nozzle 189 overlaps on horizontally long typedischarge port 41 a, the washing water is sprayed at low pressure A3 andlarge flow quantity B2 for a greater spray time C3. In other words,A1>A2>A3, B1<B2, and C1<C2<C3.

A washing time of a specific washing device can therefore be set longerthan usual. Advantages are produced when washing stubborn dirt such as agrain of rice. Spray of the washing water at the low pressure but largeflow rate is highly effective for rinsing garbage attached to eatingutensils. When the washing water is sprayed from the upper part ofwashing tub 22, the washing effect is further improved. Variation of thedischarge pressure or discharge flow quantity causes change of the flowrate or the spray angle of the washing device. A dishwasher for washingeating utensils more widely and highly efficiently is obtained.

When few eating utensils are washed, a passage varying device isperfectly closed to stop the spray from part of the washing device. Atthis time, spray time of the other washing devices increases. Therefore,high washing performance can be exhibited for a shorter time.

When eating utensils having stubborn dirt are washed, high-pressurewashing is effective. The passage varying means is narrowed to allow thespray of high-pressure washing water. Therefore, speedy washing isallowed. A dishwasher that changes a washing method in response toquantity and quality of the dirt adhered to eating utensils is thusobtained.

Discharge ports or feeding/discharging passages described in embodiment13 may have a substantially rectangular, circular, or elliptical crosssection, or a combination of these shapes. Such structure can producesimilar advantages. The structure in which the feeding/dischargingpassages have a passage changeover unit has been described in embodiment13, but the present invention is not limited to this. The passagechangeover unit may be disposed in a divided water discharge unit tovary an opening area of the divided water discharge ports. This producesa similar advantages. Opening shapes of the divided water dischargeports and the passage varying device do not need to be realizedintegrally. For example, elements can be independently formed. Thewashing nozzle for washing a hard-to-wash grain of rice is set todischarge the washing water for a longer time than the other washingnozzles, thereby shortening washing time.

Exemplary Embodiment 14

FIG. 35 is a perspective view of a changeover unit of a dishwasher inaccordance with exemplary embodiment 14 of the present invention. FIG.36 is a fragmentary sectional view of the changeover unit of thedishwasher. FIG. 37 is a graph showing variation in discharge pressureof each washing nozzle and a washing pump per cycle of a rotary waterdividing unit of the dishwasher.

The washer of exemplary embodiment 14 differs from that of exemplaryembodiment 1 in the following structure.

As shown in FIG. 35, FIG. 36, and FIG. 37, divided water discharge ports44 and feeding/discharging passages 37 communicating with them have twotypes of combinations having different passage cross sectional areas. Apassage cross sectional area of a first combination of first dividedwater discharge port 44 a and first feeding/discharging passage 37 acommunicating with it is larger than an opening area of discharge port41. This passage cross sectional area is further larger than passagecross section area of the other four combinations of second dividedwater discharge ports 44 b and second feeding/discharging passages 37 bcommunicating with them. When rotary water dividing unit 40 rotates tomatch discharge port 41 with first divided water discharge port 44 a,they maintain such a positional relationship such that passage pressureloss does not occur when washing water from discharge port 41 flows intodivided water discharge port 44 a. Only one first divided waterdischarge port 44 a has an opening area larger than that of dischargeport 41 in embodiment 14, but the present invention is not limited tothis. Two, three, or all of the other divided water discharge ports 44may have an opening area larger than that of discharge port 41. Thiscase also produces similar advantages.

In FIG. 36, rotary water dividing unit 40 rotates to sequentially matchdivided water discharge ports 44 formed in its side face to withdischarge port 41 communicating with each washing nozzle, therebysequentially feeding the washing water to each washing nozzle. FIG. 36shows a structure where discharge port 41 is formed in a cylindricalside face of rotary water dividing unit 40 and a structure wheredischarge port 41 is formed in a planar part formed on the cylindricalside face. When discharge port 41 is formed in the cylindrical side faceof rotary water dividing unit 40, circumferential direction length L2 ofdischarge port 41 is equal to or longer than circular arc length L1between adjacent divided water discharge ports 44. When discharge port41 is formed in the planar part disposed on the cylindrical side face ofrotary water dividing unit 40, length L3 of discharge port 41 is equalto or longer than circular arc length L1. This point is different fromthat of embodiment 1.

FIG. 37 shows variation in spray force of each washing nozzle anddischarge pressure of washing pump 28 for one rotation of rotary waterdividing unit 40.

Basic structures and functions for forming a water dividing structureare similar to those of exemplary embodiment 1. Elements of exemplaryembodiment 14 similar to those in exemplary embodiment 1 have the samereference numbers, and the descriptions of these elements is omitted.

Operations and functions of water dividing structure 35, namely acharacteristic structure of exemplary embodiment 14, will be describedhereinafter. The washing water pressurized by washing pump 28 firstlyflows through aqueduct 39 and discharges from discharge port 41 formedin rotary water dividing unit 40. At this time, rotary water dividingunit 40 is continuously rotated at a low speed by driving motor 42, andthe opening position of discharge port 41 sequentially matches with theopening positions of five divided water discharge ports 44. When theopening positions match with each other, the washing water is fedthrough respective feeding/discharging passages 37 to washing nozzle 29(lower face), a washing nozzle for the right side face (not shown),washing nozzle 31 (back face), washing nozzle 32 (left side face), andwashing nozzle 30 (top face), sequentially. Since divided waterdischarge port 44 a and feeding/discharging passage 37 a have thepassage cross sectional area, which is larger than the opening area ofdischarge port 41, passage pressure loss caused by switching betweenwashing water directions can be reduced. Therefore, a smaller washingpump can be used. Therefore, energy consumption, noise, and cost can bereduced.

Since circumferential length L2 of discharge port 41 is equal to or morethan circular arc length L1 between adjacent divided water dischargeports 44, discharge port 41 certainly matches with any divided waterdischarge port 44 wherever discharge port 41 lies during the rotation ofrotary water dividing unit 40. Therefore, a problem in that no washingnozzle discharges the washing water is prevented. The washing pump isprevented from being closed, thereby mitigating pressure rising of eachpart in the feeding/discharging passage, preventing the washing waterfrom leaking out of the dishwasher through a seal part or a joint part,and improving durability.

The opening area and the opening length of the divided water dischargeport described in embodiment 14 do not need to be wholly realized, andthe elements can be independently formed.

Exemplary Embodiment 15

FIG. 38 is a sectional view of a water dividing structure of adishwasher in accordance with exemplary embodiment 15 of the presentinvention. FIG. 39 is an exploded perspective view of the water dividingstructure of the dishwasher.

The washer of exemplary embodiment 15 differs from that of exemplaryembodiment 14 in the following structure.

As shown in FIG. 38 and FIG. 39, divided water discharge port 76 has arectangular shape circumferentially longer than that of discharge port41. First feeding/discharging passage 77 comprises two passages: passage78 having a cross sectional area that changes from a cross sectionalarea of first divided water discharge port 76 to that of secondfeeding/discharging passage 37 b; and passage 79 having a crosssectional area equal to that of second divided water discharge ports 44b. Rotary water dividing unit 40 is rotated by driving motor 42 thatsimply continuously rotates at a constant speed without requiring thedetection of a position or a rotational angle. Basic structures andfunctions for forming a water dividing structure are similar to those ofexemplary embodiment 1. Elements of exemplary embodiment 15 similar tothose in exemplary embodiment 1 have the same reference numbers, and thedescriptions of these elements is omitted.

Operations and functions will be described hereinafter. Since rotarywater dividing unit 40 is rotated at a constant speed, spray time ofwashing water by each washing nozzle for one spray increases withincreasing circumferential circular arc length of the divided waterdischarge port. First divided water discharge port 76 has a rectangularshape circumferentially longer than that of discharge port 41.Therefore, the spray time of the washing nozzle associated with dividedwater discharge port 76 is longer than those of the other washingnozzles.

The washing nozzle for washing out a conventionally hard-to-wash grainof rice is set to discharge the washing water for a longer time thanthose of the other washing nozzles, thereby shortening the washing time.For performing the operation discussed above, conventionally, there hasbeen problems related to volume and cost. For example, speed of thedriving motor for rotating the rotary water dividing unit must be variedand a detecting unit for detecting positions of the feeding/dischargingpassages is required. However, the washer of embodiment 15 does notrequire these elements. A simple and inexpensive washer is thereforeobtained.

Since passage 78 having a cross section that changes from a crosssection of first divided water discharge port 76 to that of secondfeeding/discharging passage 37 b is provided, expansion of the passagecan be prevented from increasing circulated washing water. Therefore,reduction of fed water allows shortening of warming time, and washingtime and energy consumption can be reduced.

The discharge port or the feeding/discharging passages described inembodiment 15 may have a substantially rectangular, circular, orelliptical cross section, or combination of these shapes. Any shape canproduce a similar advantages. The opening shape of the first rotarywater dividing unit and a variable passage discussed in embodiment 15 donot need to be wholly realized, and the elements can be independentlyformed.

Exemplary Embodiment 16

FIG. 40 is a fragmentary sectional view of a changeover unit of adishwasher in accordance with exemplary embodiment 16 of the presentinvention. FIG. 41 is a graph showing variation in discharge pressure ofeach washing nozzle and a washing pump per cycle of a rotary waterdividing unit of the dishwasher.

The washer of exemplary embodiment 16 differs from that of exemplaryembodiment 1 in the following structure.

As shown in FIG. 40, circumferential direction length of discharge port41 is equal to or longer than the sum of circular arc length of dividedwater discharge port 44 and circular arc length between divided waterdischarge ports 44. Basic structures and functions for forming a waterdividing structure are similar to those of exemplary embodiment 1.Elements of exemplary embodiment 16 similar to those in exemplaryembodiment 1 have the same reference numbers, and the descriptions ofthese elements is omitted.

In embodiment 16, during the rotation of rotary water dividing unit 40,a feeding/discharging passage having an area equal to the opening areaof discharge port 41 can be secured wherever discharge port 41 lies.Because only steady load is applied to washing pump 28 as shown in FIG.40, a circulated washing water amount discharged from a washing pump canalways be kept constant. Therefore, pressure applied to a connectionpart or a seal part in the feeding/discharging passage is prevented fromvarying, and endurance reliability is prevented from being degraded.Individual washing energy discharged from each washing device variesperiodically, but the entire washing system can always apply constantwashing energy to eating utensils. Therefore, the eating utensils can bewashed efficiently.

Exemplary Embodiment 17

FIG. 42 is a sectional view of a dishwasher in accordance with exemplaryembodiment 17 of the present invention.

The washer of exemplary embodiment 17 differs from that of exemplaryembodiment 1 in the following structure.

As shown in FIG. 42, fan 191 is disposed via open/close valve 190 influid communication with feeding/discharging passage 37 between washingpump 28 and water dividing structure 35.

Basic structures and functions for forming the water dividing structureare similar to those of exemplary embodiment 1. Elements of exemplaryembodiment 17 similar to those in exemplary embodiment 1 have the samereference numbers, and descriptions of these elements is omitted.

Open/close valve 190 and fan 191 constitute a blowing device.

Open/close valve 190 is closed so as to prevent washing water in awashing passage from intruding into fan 191 during a washing operation.When drying air is intended to be jetted, open/close valve 190 isopened. At this time, the drying air is jetted to eating utensilssequentially from various washing nozzles via water dividing structure35.

Thus, the air can be sequentially jetted from a plurality of washingnozzles in the structure of exemplary embodiment 17. The washing watercontaining dirt can be removed from the eating utensils during adraining operation of a rinsing process, so that rinsing performanceimproves. The drying air is efficiently jetted to the eating utensilsduring a drying process, so that drying performance improves. The air isjetted not simultaneously but sequentially from a plurality of washingdevices, so that a small blowing device can be used. Specifically, whencomponents are overlapped and accommodated in a rack in a componentwasher for washing the components, the drying air is jetted from variousdirections and therefore drying time can be extremely reduced.

Washing pump 28 may be used itself as the blowing device (not shown).Rotational speed of washing pump 28 is increased in this structure,thereby jetting high-pressure air to eating utensils.

Washing nozzles efficiently jet drying air to the eating utensils whilerotating, so that soiled water can be widely removed during the rinsingprocess, rinsing performance is further improved, and speedy drying ofthe eating utensils is allowed. This structure requires no open/closevalve, so that the structure can be realized more simply and at a lowcost.

Exemplary Embodiment 18

FIG. 11 is a sectional view of a dishwasher in accordance with exemplaryembodiment 18 of the present invention. FIG. 11 is the same as the viewof the dishwasher in accordance with exemplary embodiment 2 discussedabove. FIG. 12 is a fragmentary sectional view showing a structure of awater dividing structure and flow of washing water in the dishwasher.

The washer of exemplary embodiment 18 differs from that of exemplaryembodiment 1 in the following structure.

As shown in FIG. 11, one of feeding/discharging passages 37 iscommunicated with draining passage (functional device) 69. Anotherfeeding/discharging passage 37 is communicated with garbage collectingfilter (functional device, foreign matter collecting device) 120.

Elements of exemplary embodiment 18 similar to those in exemplaryembodiment 1 have the same reference numbers, and the descriptions ofthese elements is omitted.

Operations and functions will be described hereinafter. The washer ofembodiment 1 individually requires drain pump 33; however, in the washerof embodiment 18, washing pump 28 can function as a drain pump since oneof feeding/discharging passages 37 communicates with draining passage69. Rotary water dividing unit 40 in the washer is controlled so thatdischarge port 41 is not turned to feeding/discharging passages 37communicating with draining passage 69 during a washing process butwater is drained through draining passage 69 only during a drainingprocess. When the washing water leaks from water dividing structure 35to draining passage 69 during a washing operation, a drain open/closevalve or a check valve (not shown) is disposed in feeding/dischargingpassages 37 between water dividing structure 35 and draining passage 69.Otherwise, a gap between discharge port 41 and divided water dischargeport 44 is sealed. The following operation is also considered. Duringthe washing operation, the rotary water dividing unit is continuouslyrotated in a constant direction, and the washing water is not drainedout of the washer through the draining passage because of the open/closevalve. During the draining, the discharge port in the rotary waterdividing unit is operated so as to make the washing water flow to thedraining passage.

One of feeding/discharging passages 37 communicates with garbagecollecting filter (foreign matter collecting device) 120 for collectinggarbage in the washing water. When rotary water dividing unit 40continuously rotates in one direction, the soiled washing water isintermittently sprayed to garbage collecting filter 120 to collect dirtduring the washing operation. By the completion of washing process andthe rinsing process, dirt such as the garbage can be mostly collected bygarbage collecting filter 120. Spray time for garbage collecting filter120 can be extended by control of the rotary water dividing unit. Thegarbage can be certainly collected even during a short washing time.Additionally, the following method can be used: a method of forwardlyand reversely rotating rotary water dividing unit 40 so as to preventthe washing water from being fed to feeding/discharging passages 37 forcollecting garbage during a final rinsing process; or a method ofrotating rotary water dividing unit 40 in one direction and installingthe drain open/close valve (not shown) in feeding/discharging passages37 between water dividing structure 35 and garbage collecting filter120. Thus, the washing water does not flow through the garbage, but onlyfresh water is used for washing the eating utensils. The garbage istherefore prevented from re-adhering to the eating utensils. Thus,washed eating utensils are sanitary.

In embodiment 18, thus, without installing another newfeeding/discharging passage, the washing water discharged by a washingwater feeding device can be fed to a functional device such as a garbagecollecting filter by accurately controlling washing flow quantity, spraytime, and spray timing using a water dividing structure. A washing pumpis used as a drain pump to downsize a mechanism unit and reduce cost.Discharge pressure of the washing pump can be used as a driving sourcefor moving a movable unit such as an open/close valve disposed in thefunctional device, without requiring any solenoid valve or other drivingsource.

All elements in the garbage collecting structure and the drain structuredo not need to be integrally formed, and each element may beindependently formed. In embodiment 18, washing nozzles are disposed attops of feeding/discharging passages and one of the feeding/dischargingpassages is provided not with a washing nozzle but rather the garbagecollecting filter, or the washing pump communicating with the drainingpassage is used as the drain pump. However, the present invention is notlimited to this. As a functional device, a detergent throwing apparatus,a detergent dissolving apparatus, a water softener, an ion generatingapparatus using acid or alkali, or a clarifying apparatus can be used.When the drying air generated by the blowing device is used as thefunctional device as shown in embodiment 17, for example, the drying airmay be used as a driving source for opening or closing a lid of anexhaust port. The drying air is also used as cooling air fordehumidifying and drying, or as drawing-in air for introducing outsideair.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

A washer structure of the present invention allows spray of washingwater to any objects to be washed from a plurality of directions withoutincreasing fed water. High efficient washing allowing shorter washingcan be realized. The number of rinsings is decreased, energy consumptionis reduced, and also water consumption is reduced. The objects to bewashed can be easily set at setting positions in a rack, and therefore awasher having high setting ability can be obtained.

1. A washer comprising: washing devices for sequentially sprayingwashing water from various directions to an object to be washed, each ofsaid washing devices having a spray port from which the washing water isto be sprayed; a washing water feeding device for feeding the washingwater to said washing devices; a controller for controlling an operationof said washing water feeding device; at least one rack for holding theobject to be washed; a washing tub for accommodating said at least onerack, said washing tub having an opening; a cover for opening or closingthe opening of said washing tub; feeding/discharging passages forfeeding/discharging the washing water and for coupling said washingwater feeding device with said washing devices, respectively; and awater dividing structure including (i) a rotary water dividing unithaving a wall defining a hollow interior, and plural discharge ports insaid wall and communicating with said hollow interior, with at least oneof said plural discharge ports being in a portion of said wall that issubstantially orthogonal to a rotational axis of said rotary waterdividing unit, and (ii) a driving device for rotating said rotary waterdividing unit about the rotational axis, wherein said water dividingstructure is for allowing the washing water to be sequentially fed toeach of said washing devices by allowing the washing water, when fed bysaid washing water feeding device, to enter into said hollow interiorand then be discharged from said plural discharge ports into saidfeeding/discharging passages upon rotation of said rotary water dividingunit, and wherein, of said washing devices, at least one is disposed ina lower part of said washing tub, at least one is disposed in an upperpart of said washing tub, and at least one is disposed on a back face ofsaid washing tub.
 2. The washer according to claim 1, wherein said waterdividing structure further includes (iii) an aqueduct for guiding thewashing water, when pressurized by said washing water feeding device,into said hollow interior, and (iv) a divided water output unit havingdivided water discharge ports, said feeding/discharging passages beingcoupled to said divided water discharge ports, respectively, with saidrotary water dividing unit being rotatably disposed at a position facingsaid divided water output unit, and with said plural discharge ports andsaid divided water discharge ports being arranged so that, duringrotation of said rotary water dividing unit, said plural discharge portssequentially faces said divided water discharge ports to feed thewashing water from said hollow interior, after being guided thereinto bysaid aqueduct, through said plural discharge ports sequentially to saidfeeding/discharging passages, such that the washing water is guided toeach of said washing devices and is sprayed from each of said washingdevices.
 3. The washer according to claim 2, wherein said driving deviceis to control said rotary water dividing unit such that said pluraldischarge ports face said divided water discharge ports during a processof feeding the washing water to said washing tub.
 4. The washeraccording to claim 2, wherein said driving device is to control saidrotary water dividing unit such that said plural discharge ports facesaid divided water discharge ports during a process of draining thewashing water.
 5. The washer according to claim 1, wherein said wallincludes a substantially cylindrical portion, with said plural dischargeports other than said at least one of said plural discharge ports beingin said substantially cylindrical portion, and with said pluraldischarge ports being arranged so that the washing water discharged fromsaid plural discharge ports is sprayed simultaneously from at least twoof said washing devices, and the washing water is sprayed sequentiallyby said washing devices.
 6. The washer according to claim 1, whereinsaid driving device is for setting any rotational speed of said rotarywater dividing unit, and said rotary water dividing unit is designed torotate at any rotational speed set by said driving device.
 7. The washeraccording to claim 1, wherein said driving device has a rotational angledetecting mechanism for detecting a rotational angle of said rotarywater dividing unit.
 8. The washer according to claim 1, wherein saiddriving device is for forwardly and reversely rotating said rotary waterdividing unit.
 9. The washer according to claim 1, wherein said wallcomprises a substantially cylindrical wall, with said plural dischargeports other than said at least one of said plural discharge ports beingin said substantially cylindrical wall so that respective rotationtracks of said plural discharge ports other than said at least one ofsaid plural discharge ports are different from each other.
 10. Thewasher according to claim 1, wherein said rotary water dividing unit hasa horizontally disposed rotatable shaft.
 11. The washer according toclaim 1, wherein said washing water feeding device comprises a washingpump having a washing pump discharge port, and said driving device has adriving shaft, with said driving shaft being disposed in a substantiallyidentical direction relative to a flow direction of the washing waterwhen discharged from said washing pump discharge port, and with saiddriving device being disposed on an a side of said rotary water dividingunit that is opposite to a side of said rotary water dividing unit onwhich is disposed said washing pump discharge port.
 12. The washeraccording to claim 1, further comprising: divided water discharge portscoupled to said feeding/discharging passages, respectively, wherein acircumferential length of at least one of said plural discharge ports issubstantially equal to or longer than a circular arc length betweenrespective openings of adjacent said divided water discharge ports. 13.The washer according to claim 1, further comprising: divided waterdischarge ports coupled to said feeding/discharging passages,respectively, wherein a circumferential length of at least one of saidplural discharge ports is substantially equal to or longer than a sum ofa circular arc length of any of said divided water discharge ports and acircular arc length between respective openings of adjacent said dividedwater discharge ports.
 14. The washer according to claim 1, wherein saidcontroller is for controlling the operation of said washer water feedingdevice so as to spray the washing water from any one of said washingdevices.
 15. The washer according to claim 14, wherein said waterdividing structure further comprises a rotational position detectingmechanism, and said controller is for controlling the operation of saidwasher water feeding device so as to spray the washing water from one ofa substantially upper part and a substantially side part of said washingtub during completion of at least any rinsing process of a washingprocedure.
 16. The washer according to claim 14, wherein said waterdividing structure is for controlling a feeding time of the washingwater to each of said washing devices, and said controller is forcontrolling the operation of said washer water feeding device so that aspray time of each of said washing devices is set to a predeterminedtime.
 17. The washer according to claim 14, wherein said controller isfor controlling the operation of said washer water feeding device sothat a first spray time of each of said washing devices during a primarywashing process is longer than a second spray time of each of saidwashing devices during a rinsing process.
 18. The washer according toclaim 14, wherein said water dividing structure is to feed the washingwater to a specific one of said washing devices, and said controller isfor controlling the operation of said washer water feeding device sothat the washing water is selectively sprayed to the object to be washedaccommodated in a partial region of said at least one rack.
 19. Thewasher according to claim 18, wherein said controller is for controllingthe operation of said washing water feeding device such that during anywashing process the washing water is sequentially sprayed from all ofsaid washing devices.
 20. The washer according to claim 14, wherein saidat least one rack comprises plural racks, the object to be washedcomprises eating utensils having substantially similar shapes, and saidplural racks are constructed and arranged to have placed therein theeating utensils.
 21. The washer according to claim 20, wherein saidcontroller is for controlling the operation of said washing waterfeeding device such that during any washing process the washing water issequentially sprayed from all of said washing devices.
 22. The washeraccording to claim 1 further comprising a functional device, wherein atleast one of said feeding/discharging passages communicates with saidfunctional device.
 23. The washer according to claim 22, wherein saidfunctional device has a foreign matter collecting mechanism forcollecting foreign matter contained in the washing water.
 24. The washeraccording to claim 1 further comprising a draining passage for drainingthe washing water from said washing tub, wherein one of saidfeeding/discharging passages communicates with said draining passage.25. The washer according to claim 1, wherein said washing water feedingdevice is vertically disposed.
 26. The washer according to claim 1wherein said water dividing structure is disposed between said washingwater feeding device and said washing devices, said water dividingstructure further includes a divided water output unit having dividedwater discharge ports, said washing devices communicate with saiddivided water discharge ports, respectively, via saidfeeding/discharging passages, and said divided water output unit isassociated with said rotary water dividing unit so that said pluraldischarge ports other than said at least one of said plural dischargeports sequentially faces and communicates with all but at least one ofsaid divided water discharge ports, and said at least one of said pluraldischarge ports communicates with said all but at least one of saiddivided water discharge ports, when said rotary water dividing unitrotates such that upon rotation of said rotary water dividing unit,after the washing water enters said hollow interior, the washing wateris discharged from said plural discharge ports into saidfeeding/discharging passages through said divided water discharge ports,respectively.
 27. The washer according to claim 1, wherein said drivingdevice is to rotate said rotary water dividing unit during a process offeeding the washing water to said washing tub.
 28. The washer accordingto claim 1, wherein said driving device is to rotate said rotary waterdividing unit during a process of draining the washing water.
 29. Thewasher according to claim 1, wherein said controller is for controllingthe operation of said washer water feeding device so as to spray thewashing water from any one of said washing devices.
 30. The washeraccording to claim 1, wherein at least one of said washing devices isfor spraying the washing water while said at least one of said washingdevices is turning.
 31. A washer comprising: washing devices forsequentially spraying washing water from various directions to an objectto be washed, each of said washing devices having a spray port fromwhich the washing water is to be sprayed; a washing water feeding devicefor feeding the washing water to said washing devices, said washingwater feeding device having a washing water feeding device dischargeport; a controller for controlling an operation of said washing waterfeeding device; at least one rack for holding the object to be washed; awashing tub for accommodating said at least one rack, said washing tubhaving an opening; a cover for opening or closing the opening of saidwashing tub; feeding/discharging passages for feeding/discharging thewashing water and for coupling said washing water feeding device withsaid washing devices, respectively; and a water dividing structurehaving a driving device and a divided water output unit, said dividedwater output unit having plural divided water discharge ports, and saidwater dividing structure for allowing the washing water to besequentially fed to each of said washing devices, wherein at least oneof said plural divided water discharge ports is formed at a positionhigher than that of said washing water feeding device discharge port,wherein, of said washing devices, at least one is disposed in a lowerpart of said washing tub, at least one is disposed in an upper part ofsaid washing tub, and at least one is disposed on a back face of saidwashing tub, and wherein at least one of said plural divided waterdischarge ports is in a portion of a wall that is substantiallyorthogonal to an axis of said divided water output unit.
 32. A washercomprising: washing devices for sequentially spraying washing water fromvarious directions to an object to be washed, each of said washingdevices having a spray port from which the washing water is to besprayed; a washing water feeding device for feeding the washing water tosaid washing devices; a controller for controlling an operation of saidwashing water feeding device; at least one rack for holding the objectto be washed; a washing tub for accommodating said at least one rack,said washing tub having an opening; a cover for opening or closing theopening of said washing tub; feeding/discharging passages forfeeding/discharging the washing water and for coupling said washingwater feeding device with said washing devices, respectively; and awater dividing structure including (i) a changeover unit having a rotarywater dividing unit with a discharge port, (ii) a driving device forrotating said rotary water dividing unit, and (iii) a divided wateroutput unit having divided water discharge ports, with a cross sectionalarea of at least a first of said divided water discharge ports and apassage cross sectional area of a first of said feeding/dischargingpassages communicating with said first of said divided water dischargeports each being larger than an opening area of said discharge port,wherein said rotary water dividing unit faces said divided water outputunit and said discharge port and said divided water discharge ports arearranged so that, during rotation of said rotary water dividing unit,said discharge port sequentially faces said divided water dischargeports to feed the washing water, when pressurized by said washing waterfeeding device, from said rotary water dividing unit sequentially tosaid divided water discharge ports such that the washing water is fedsequentially to each of said feeding/discharging passages, is guided toeach of said washing devices, and is sprayed from each of said washingdevices, and wherein, of said washing devices, at least one is disposedin a lower part of said washing tub, at least one is disposed in anupper part of said washing tub, and at least one is disposed on a backface of said washing tub.
 33. The washer according to claim 32, whereinan opening of said first of said divided water discharge ports has arectangular or substantially elliptical shape that is circumferentiallylonger than a shape of an opening of said discharge port.
 34. The washeraccording to claim 33, wherein said first of said feeding/dischargingpassages comprises a first passage that changes in cross sectional areafrom that of said first of said divided water discharge ports to that ofa second of said feeding/discharging passages, and a second passagehaving a cross sectional area that is substantially identical to apassage cross sectional area of a second of said divided water dischargeports.
 35. The washer according to claim 32, wherein said water dividingstructure further includes an aqueduct for guiding the washing water,when pressurized by said washing water feeding device, to saidchangeover unit.
 36. A washer comprising: washing devices forsequentially spraying washing water from various directions to an objectto be washed, each of said washing devices having a spray port fromwhich the washing water is to be sprayed; a washing water feeding devicefor feeding the washing water to said washing devices; a controller forcontrolling an operation of said washing water feeding device; at leastone rack for holding the object to be washed; a washing tub foraccommodating said at least one rack, said washing tub having anopening; a cover for opening or closing the opening of said washing tub;feeding/discharging passages for feeding/discharging the washing waterand for coupling said washing water feeding device with said washingdevices, respectively; and a water dividing structure including (i) achangeover unit having a rotary water dividing unit with dischargeports, with at least one of said discharge ports being in a portion ofsaid rotary water dividing unit that is substantially orthogonal to arotational axis of said rotary water dividing unit, (ii) a drivingdevice for rotating said rotary water dividing unit, and (iii) a dividedwater output unit having divided water discharge ports, wherein at leastone of said plural divided water discharge ports is in a portion of awall that is substantially orthogonal to an axis of said divided wateroutput unit, with said rotary water dividing unit and said divided wateroutput unit being disposed so as to prevent all of said discharge portsfrom simultaneously communicating with said divided water dischargeports during rotation of said rotary water dividing unit, wherein saidrotary water dividing unit faces said divided water output unit and saiddischarge ports and said divided water discharge ports are arranged sothat, during rotation of said rotary water dividing unit, said dischargeports sequentially face said divided water discharge ports to feed thewashing water, when pressurized by said washing water feeding device,from said rotary water dividing unit sequentially to said divided waterdischarge ports such that the washing water is fed sequentially to eachof said feeding/discharging passages, is guided to each of said washingdevices, and is sprayed from each of said washing devices, and wherein,of said washing devices, at least one is disposed in a lower part ofsaid washing tub, at least one is disposed in an upper part of saidwashing tub, and at least one is disposed on a back face of said washingtub.
 37. The washer according to claim 36, wherein an opening of atleast one of said discharge ports has a rectangular or substantiallyelliptical shape that is circumferentially longer than shapes of theopenings of the other of said discharge ports.
 38. The washer accordingto claim 36, wherein said discharge ports and said divided waterdischarge ports are formed in said rotary water dividing unit and saiddivided water output unit, respectively, so that the washing water isalways to be discharged from one of said washing devices.
 39. The washeraccording to claim 36, wherein an opening of at least a first of saiddivided water discharge ports has a rectangular or substantiallyelliptical shape that is circumferentially longer than shapes ofopenings of the other of said divided water discharge ports, and a firstof said feeding/discharging passages communicating with a first of saiddivided water discharge ports has a cross sectional area larger thancross sectional areas of the other of said feeding/discharging passages.40. The washer according to claim 36, wherein said water dividingstructure further includes an aqueduct for guiding the washing water,when pressurized by said washing water feeding device, to saidchangeover unit.
 41. A washer comprising: washing devices forsequentially spraying washing water from various directions to an objectto be washed, each of said washing devices having a spray port fromwhich the washing water is to be sprayed; a washing water feeding devicefor feeding the washing water to said washing devices; a controller forcontrolling an operation of said washing water feeding device; at leastone rack for holding the object to be washed; a washing tub foraccommodating said at least one rack, said washing tub having anopening; a cover for opening or closing the opening of said washing tub;feeding/discharging passages for feeding/discharging the washing waterand for coupling said washing water feeding device with said washingdevices, respectively; and a water dividing structure including (i) achangeover unit having a rotary water dividing unit with dischargeports, (ii) a driving device for rotating said rotary water dividingunit, and (iii) a divided water output unit having divided waterdischarge ports, with said rotary water dividing unit and said dividedwater output unit being disposed so as to prevent all of said dischargeports from simultaneously communicating with said divided waterdischarge ports during rotation of said rotary water dividing unit,wherein said rotary water dividing unit faces said divided water outputunit and said discharge ports and said divided water discharge ports arearranged so that, during rotation of said rotary water dividing unit,said discharge ports sequentially face said divided water dischargeports to feed the washing water, when pressurized by said washing waterfeeding device, from said rotary water dividing unit sequentially tosaid divided water discharge ports such that the washing water is fedsequentially to each of said feeding/discharging passages, is guided toeach of said washing devices, and is sprayed from each of said washingdevices, wherein, of said washing devices, at least one is disposed in alower part of said washing tub, at least one is disposed in an upperpart of said washing tub, and at least one is disposed on a back face ofsaid washing tub, and wherein said divided water output unit includes apassage varying device for varying passage cross sections of saidfeeding/discharging passages.
 42. A washer comprising: washing devicesfor sequentially spraying washing water from various directions to anobject to be washed, each of said washing devices having a spray portfrom which the washing water is to be sprayed; a washing water feedingdevice for feeding the washing water to said washing devices; acontroller for controlling an operation of said washing water feedingdevice; at least one rack for holding the object to be washed; a washingtub for accommodating said at least one rack, said washing tub having anopening; a cover for opening or closing the opening of said washing tub;feeding/discharging passages for feeding/discharging the washing waterand for coupling said washing water feeding device with said washingdevices, respectively; a water dividing structure having a drivingdevice, said water dividing structure for allowing the washing water tobe sequentially fed to each of said washing devices; and a blowingdevice for feeding air, wherein said blowing device has a fan and anopen/close valve, said open/close valve is for switching between thewashing water and the air, and said blowing device is constructed andarranged to feed the air sequentially from said plurality of washingdevices after switching of said open/close valve, and wherein, of saidwashing devices, at least one is disposed in a lower part of saidwashing tub, at least one is disposed in an upper part of said washingtub, and at least one is disposed on a back face of said washing tub.43. The washer according to claim 42, wherein said washing water feedingdevice has a pump, said pump is for feeding the washing water andfeeding the air, and said pump is for feeding the air after switching ofthe open/close valve.
 44. The washer according to claim 42, wherein saidwater dividing structure further has (i) a rotary water dividing unithaving at least one discharge port, (ii) a divided water output unithaving divided water discharge ports, with said feeding/dischargingpassages being coupled to said divided water discharge ports,respectively, and (ii) an aqueduct for guiding the washing water, whenpressurized by said washing water feeding device, to said rotary waterdividing unit, with said rotary water dividing unit being rotatablydisposed at a position facing said divided water output unit and said atleast one discharge port and said divided water discharge ports beingarranged so that, during rotation of said rotary water dividing unit,said at least one discharge port sequentially faces said divided waterdischarge ports to feed the washing water, after having been guided bysaid aqueduct to said rotary water dividing unit, through said at leastone discharge port sequentially to said feeding/discharging passages,such that the washing water is guided to each of said washing devicesand is sprayed from each of said washing devices.